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Microsoft Surface tablet finally priced: $499

Microsoft finally priced its new Surface tablet — and the company is not playing in the cheap end.

Consumers could pre-order the Windows 8 Surface yesterday, starting at $499 for the least expensive 32-gigabyte model and $599 for one with double the storage capacity. It will be available to buy Oct. 26.

The tablet runs Microsoft’s latest mobile software and comes with a keyboard case that turns it into a laptop-like device.

The pricing puts it at the high end of the market where Apple dominates, instead of the bargain bin where players like Amazon have had the most success competing.

The Surface connects to the Web only through Wi-Fi, while Apple sells an iPad version that can connect via cellphone networks.

The Surface was built in-house at Microsoft, a departure for the company that has worked for decades with PC partners who build the computers that run its software.

Microsoft has said the Surface is meant to stand as an example for its partners to develop their own Windows 8 tablets.