Despite rumors that Microsoft will sell its Windows RT Surface for US$199 and price the other Windows 8 Pro Surface around the same as current ultrabooks, pricing on the much-anticipated Windows 8-powered tablets have eluded us for the most part. Enter David Schmoock, Senior Vice President of Lenovo North America.

Schmoock revealed in an interview with Bloomberg that Windows 8 Pro tablets (the version of Windows 8 that runs on Intel/AMD x86-64 chips) will sell for US$500-US$700. Windows RT tablets (the version of Windows 8 that is powered by ARM-based chips) will cost US$200-US$300 less than Windows 8 Pro tablets, meaning Windows RT tablets could sell for anywhere between US$200-US$500. This means Lenovo’s own ThinkPad Tablet 2, a Windows RT tablet, will likely be priced in that range, and Schmoock’s estimate is more or less along the lines of an earlier rumor that stated Microsoft will sell its Windows RT Surface tablet for $199.

Schmoock also provided some commentary on Windows RT pricing:

RT will play in consumer and retail at very aggressive price points. It will do well but it’s going to be more of a consumer price point play to begin with.

Further, Schmoock feels Windows 8 Pro will be attractive to businesses whereas Windows RT is “a very good consumer box”.

Lenovo, an OEM Microsoft partner, earlier stated they aren’t too worried about Microsoft introducing its own Windows 8 tablets. Lenovo said it is treating Microsoft just like another competitor and will outdo Surface tablets by providing better hardware. Let’s hope Lenovo not only outdoes Microsoft on specs but also pricing because, as we all know, choice is always good for consumers. Oh and let’s also hope Lenovo doesn’t create crap Windows 8 tablets like they did/do with Android.

[via Engadget, Bloomberg]