There’s good news for fans of Microsoft’s Surface RT tablets eagerly awaiting a chance to buy the device, as Microsoft confirmed plans to increase production of the Windows 8 Surface tablet and also expand retail distribution efforts to ensure the Surface is available to more consumers very soon.
How soon? As early as mid-December, according to Microsoft’s official line. “We’ve increased production and are expanding the ways in which customers can interact with, experience and purchase Surface,” said Panos Panay, General Manager, Microsoft Surface.
Readers would do well to remember that the Microsoft Surface tablet running on Windows RT (for devices running on ARM architecture) has been available for purchase online in select markets ever since it was launced alongside Windows 8 in October, earlier this year. This announcement just marks the official retail availability of the device, along with continued online purchase options.
Consumers in the United States and Australia stand a chance to purchase the Microsoft Surface tablet running on Windows RT over-the-counter in a retail store by this weekend. In fact, Staples, the office-supply giant, has confirmed in a separate statement that it will start stocking units of the Microsoft Surface in its U.S. stores by Wednesday i.e. later today.
Microsoft has also hinted at expanding its holiday stores count with an eye on Christmas, anticipating rising consumer spending, however details on their exact number and the regions where these stores will be deployed are lacking.
Sadly, India is not on the map, as far as markets where the Surface goes on sale later this week. Microsoft said this in their statement, “Surface will continue to be available for purchase at all Microsoft retail stores in the United States and Canada and online in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.”
In our interview with a Microsoft representative last week, Microsoft refused to comment on the launch and expected general availability of Microsoft Surface RT in India. As usual, India will have to wait.
Meanwhile, Microsoft Surface Pro, the device that runs on Intel’s x86 platform (instead of Surface RT which has ARM inside) is slated to be showcased at the upcoming CES 2013 in Las Vegas next month.