[dharma1]

Windows 8 is a big risk for MS - they are being sidelined by Apple and Android and running out of time. They couldn't take the risk of other companies designing and manufacturing Win8 tablets not coming up with the goods for the product design/hardware.

That's not to say Nokia or Samsung etc won't be putting out an exceptional Win 8 tablet, they may well do - but then again, they may not.

In terms of profit - I think MS will price the hardware as low as they can, to fight off Apple. Their profit will come elsewhere

[mrdodge]

> In terms of profit - I think MS will price the hardware as low as they can, to fight off Apple. Their profit will come elsewhere

From where? They do not have a successful media store and they are bundling Office. Aside from Windows and Office, the only things they sell at profit are from 'Server and Tools'.

Internet and Devices/entertainment have been money-sinks. The idea they will start turning Apple/Google-sized profits is wishful thinking

[dharma1]

only the ARM version of the tablet will come with a free (Metro) Office, with the x86 version you have to buy Office.

Microsoft has multiple revenue streams- http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2012/apr12/04-19fy...

They are going after tablet market share - especially for business use - with this reference design, and will try to keep the price down.

[madoublet]

Microsoft has a surprisingly cohesive ecosystem: xbox gold, xbox music, skydrive, app marketplace. So, I think this is a viable strategy.