FollowMicrosoft is going to give school education its technological boost when it presents the Surface RT tablet to those who are attending their International Society for Technology in Education Conference. Using these tablets at school for education is what Microsoft aims to push ahead with. Some 10,000 units of the Surface RT tablets would be distributed for free during the convention. While Microsoft would be doing their bit for modernizing educational process with this venture, it would also help in getting the company into notice for their other line of products.
Margo Day, the Microsoft’s VP of United States Education said, “Educators using Surface RT have the best of both worlds: the wonderful experience of a tablet combined with a no-compromise experience of a full-functioning laptop that includes Office and allows for creation and collaboration, and not just consumption.”
Microsoft has been known better for its prowess in the software field (read Windows OS) and such though not in the field of computer hardware. This venture with Surface RT tablets would help people know about Microsoft products other than just the OS. Other makers of tablets and similar gadgets have also come the academic institution way, before turning popular in the market. Apple had their iBook to start with and also the iMac are cases in example for this.
Margo Day also took a swipe at Apple and their iPad when he said that “Educators already using Windows 8 tell us they are able to get grading and planning done more quickly because they can multi-task and they can imagine new and personalized learning experiences for their student.”
Microsoft has been working on their Surface RT marketing strategy for some time now when they reduced the price to start with. They also offered Touch Keyboards and Type Keyboards free along with purchase of the Surface RT tablet. Attendees at the TechEd North America and Europe event had also been offered the Surface RT at a price of $99. Microsoft maybe in the process of coming up with a next version of the Surface RT the reason they are clearing up the existing stock with these promotional schemes.
The Surface RT and Surface Pro models have already been announced by Microsoft and there is talk of a 7 inch device for this year.
