Microsoft Surface RT price cuts now in effect at the Microsoft Store, 32GB tablet now $349

Last week, we passed along a rumor that the Microsoft Surface RT was going to be the beneficiary of a price cut at the Microsoft Store. The sale price is not in effect at the Microsoft Store's retail locations and online. As expected, the cut in the price of the tablet takes the 32GB model down to $349, a 30% price cut from the original $499 that Microsoft wanted for the slab. The 64GB model is now $449 while the optional Touch Cover or Type Cover will run you $100 more. The Touch Cover offers a protection for the tablet, but also doubles as a touch sensitive keyboard. The Type Cover, while still protecting the tablet, offers raised keys similar to a PC style physical QWERTY.

Microsoft is eager to clear the shelves with talk of a sequel getting hot and heavy. The software giant is now offering the tablet to educational institutions at a huge discount. The 32GB model is just $199 while the unit along with the Touch Cover is $249. Replace the Touch Cover with the Type Cover and the price is $289.

The next version of the Microsoft Surface RT could have a smaller 8.6 inch screen and be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor instead of the Tegra 3 that is found on current models.

source: Microsoft via MicrosoftNews, WMPoweruser