Microsoft hikes UK Surface prices by up to 15 per cent

Microsoft blames the pound's value for price rises

Microsoft has increased the prices of its Surface Book products in the UK, pinning the blame on the pound's falling value.

The Surface Book now starts at £1,449 - up 11 per cent and £150 - while the top-end model has seen a hefty increase of £400 to £3,049, equating to a 15 per cent hike.

The price increases only apply to products purchased directly from Microsoft, with the vendor reiterating that channel prices will be continue to be set by its partners.

"In response to a recent review we are adjusting the British pound prices of some of our hardware and consumer software in order to align to market dynamics," the representative said.

"For indirect sales where our products and services are sold through partners, final prices will continue to be determined by them."

Surface Hub

Microsoft's confirmation of price rises comes a week after CRN reported rumours of price rises for Microsoft's large display Surface Hub product.

Authorised Surface Hub partner Carillion told CRN that the two Surface Hub models would see an 18 per cent price increase this week.

Microsoft's UK Surface boss Ryan Asdourian did not confirm or deny the price rises, but said that the prices would continue to be dictated by partners.

The Surface Hub is currently only available through partners in the UK, meaning Microsoft does not advertise prices on its website.

Price changes

Microsoft has been tinkering with its pricing in the UK since the EU Referendum last year.

Soon after the UK voted to leave the EU Microsoft announced plans to increase its enterprise cloud prices by 22 per cent, effective from 1 January, and last week it cut prices on some of its Azure products.

A number of vendors including HP, Dell, Lenovo, Fujitsu, VMware and Apple have all upped their prices since the Brexit vote.