What they do is compare the old model price with the new one, and then go on to say the total cost of the new unit to get it with full functionality as a desktop replacement.
So, they don't say: "old model was $329, new is close to $800".
They say: "old model was $329, new is $449. That's quite a lot to get one. Especially since, on top of the already high price, you'll have to fork $348 more if you want the full desktop replacement experience with the extra mouse and keyboard".
A large chunk of that 36% can be explained by inflation - heck perhaps until now they have been artificially keeping the base price low to capture marketshare - who knows?
Full disclosure: I believe that the new price point makes iPad a much less compelling option. I also hate the way the article framed it. There was no need to construct a false reality when they could have simply run with 36% price increase - that's story enough.