The Microsoft Surface Hub will not start shipping out to customers until January 1st, and thanks to this announcement, MondoPad 2.0 sales will possibly skyrocket. The 4K-capable touch computer is also a little pricier now. This isn’t great news for anticipating fans.
Microsoft First Revealed the Surface Hub in January 2015
It looks like the device will be coming out about a year after first being unveiled. Pre-orders for it started on July 1st, 2015. After having a first delay to January 1st, the release window has been extended to Q1 2016. This means that it could come out to the market anywhere between January 1st and March 31st.
As for the price revisions, the 55-inch Surface Hub was initially tagged at $6,999. The 84-inch version was priced at $19,999. The new prices, however, put the 55-inch Surface Hub at $8,999, and the 84-inch version at $21,999. This is a very significant increase that could discourage many from buying either device at all.
How did Microsoft Explain the Price Increase?
Microsoft declared that after evaluating the market opportunity and the true value of the Surface Hub, customers should be paying more for it. The company said that they believe the new prices are the true show of the device’s potential, and that it will drive business and the market category forward.
What Exactly is the Surface Hub?
The Surface Hub is essentially a computer for conference rooms. It has a PC that allows for video conferences through Skype for Office. It also makes use of a smartboard to use OneNote and Office apps, all running on Windows 10.
Some Customers May Consider Buying the MondoPad 2.0 Instead
The most recent version of the MonoPad is considerably less expensive than the delayed Surface Hub. It also comes with a few extra perks. MondoPad has been available on the market since 2011, brought to life by InFocus.
It recently went through a series of upgrades. It brought in a one-touch dropbox storage feature, multiple camera support, a continuous multi-directional whiteboard canvas and an updated UI. The MonoPad supports data presentation, whiteboarding, remote viewing from a PC as well as video. On top of all that, it features tablet and smartphone casting and interactive data through a video call.
MondoPad Has Great Tech and a Great Price
MonoPad uses Dual Stream technology that basically makes sharing and viewing data easy for two sides of a conference. It makes meetings more interactive and makes miscommunication pretty difficult. MonoPad can actually pair with two displays to make the experience bigger and better, and makes it able to handle multiple applications. MonoPad also has its own version of Apple’s Airplay, called LightCast. It enables users to cast content wirelessly from their laptops tablets or phones via touch. Like the Surface Hub, it runs Windows touch apps.
The MonoPad 2.0 comes in different varieties with different prices. Their 57-inch model comes in at $5,799. This is a significant difference from the new Surface Hub price. Their 70-inch model is on for $9,700, while their 80-inch goes for a $17,000. It’s still a pretty penny, it’s not as shiny as the Microsoft Surface Hub.
Which System is the Better Buy?
If you can’t wait around for the Surface Hub, then the MondoPad is probably your best bet. Microsoft is a reliable company that makes consistently good hardware. Hardcore Microsoft fans will probably wait it out and will be willing to pay the higher price. The truth is both devices carry good weight and the Mondopad has received many positive reviews.
Microsoft should not be delaying the Surface Hub any longer. This could discourage even more potential buyers. Nevertheless, both of these devices are sure to make business communication a lot easier and a lot more seamless. Face value is important even in the corporate world, after all.
