iPad beats Surface on price - in Sweden

The Swedish online retailer Webhallen is taking pre-orders for Windows Surface PCs at prices that could drive customers away in droves.

The top of the line model of Surface would go for 14,999 krona or $2,184, . Consider that compared to an iPad ($500 to $600) or even a MacBook Pro ($2,199) with a 15-inch Retina display, and you can imagine that customers might be reluctant to buy.

Of course, that's just what Webhallen is asking. Microsoft has said nothing about the actual prices for the Surface PCs, which are due out in October. The Amazon.com Web site in Germany is also taking pre-orders, but isn't posting prices.

More printers, fewer drivers