That's the iPad 2. If it's comparable to the Surface, then your point is valid.
The cheapest iPad 3 with 3G costs $629.
And while YMMV, I don't require 3G on my tablet. I already have 3G on my phone, which is always in my pocket, and I can create a personal hotspot if reqd.
My point was that it's comparable to Surface: similar HW specs, no Retina display. iPad 3 offers more hence it's pricier. I simply don't see why anyone except Microsoft Office users (in 2013;-) would prefer Surface to iPad 3.
"The new iPad has a Retina display but beyond that ? (I'm talking about hardware)"
For a tablet form factor, one can argue that a fantastic display plays an enormous role in the user experience.
That's the iPad 2. If it's comparable to the Surface, then your point is valid.
The cheapest iPad 3 with 3G costs $629.
And while YMMV, I don't require 3G on my tablet. I already have 3G on my phone, which is always in my pocket, and I can create a personal hotspot if reqd.