The bad news: some customers who pre-ordered a Microsoft Surface tablet PC will have to wait next week until it arrives, Engadget reports.
The good? Microsoft is offering a £50 voucher as compensation to anyone inconvenienced. So at least anyone left waiting can get some new software and accessories to beef up their machine.
Surface was supposed to launch on Friday, the same day as Windows 8.
A note from Microsoft reads: "As stated at the time of order, we expect customers in the UK to receive their Surface devices between Oct. 26 and Oct. 30. We apologize for any confusion caused by subsequent emails stating an earlier or later arrival date. To make up for any inconvenience, we would like to offer you a single use coupon for up to £50 off your next purchase from Microsoft online store."
The offer only applies to pre-orders. If you want to get your hands on a Surface now, it's bad news I'm afraid. Both 32GB models (with and without the Touch Cover) will ship in three weeks. The 64GB version is ready to go now, but will set you back £559.
If you're looking for a new Windows 8 PC, meanwhile, check out our guide, which should give you a good idea of the various models available. And for everything Windows 8, head on over to our handy page telling you where to find all the info you could need, and more. Here's how Windows took over the world, for example.
Have you got Windows 8 but want Google search instead of Bing, and Chrome instead of Internet Explorer? Head to getyourgoogleback.com to see how to… well, it should be pretty self-explanatory.
Here's a cheeky video demonstrating the process.
What do you make of Windows 8? Have you got your Surface tablet yet? How do you think it compares against the iPad and Android tablets? Let me know below, or on Facebook.

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anonymous 28 October, 2012 20:17
CNET along with all the Tech media are placing too much emphasis, if not all the attention, on the Surface, whilst forgetting there will be other Windows 8 RT tablets available within a few weeks.
The first thing that is needed, is a comparative review of all the RT tablets, otherwise W8 RT will be getting judged on the performance of just one device.
Jason Alexander 29 October, 2012 09:35
Quote:
A note from Microsoft reads: "As stated at the time of order, we expect customers in the UK to receive their Surface devices between Oct. 26 and Oct. 30
Except it didn't. My pre-order confirmation clearly says I will receive my product by the 26th October 2012 so not really filled with confidence by Microsoft's fibs.
Also, you can't download software with the voucher so I am specifically from prevented from using the compensation in connection with the product I'm being compensated for.
It's really not good enough if Microsoft expects to compete with Apple and Google.
anonymous 29 October, 2012 20:59
Called customer service line to check will be delivered tomorrow as promised. Was told that delivery process is still in a mess and that i should hope for the best as it might or might not come. Total shambles, how can a leading company act like this. Order to be cancelled and replaced with impressive looking nexus 10
Rich Trenholm 30 October, 2012 16:40
Thanks for your feedback, anonymous #1. We have in fact covered a range of Asus Vivo, HP Envy, and Samsung Ativ Windows 8 devices, with many more reviews to come. Stay tuned!
anonymous 8 November, 2012 10:43
I love the new Surface from Microsoft, as this is my first experience with the internet I am no Surf 'Ace', but am getting to know my way round the different screens, and although I was tempted to get a type cover was interested to see what the touch .cover was like. After a full day of initiation and downloading some of the apps, (more to come hopefully) I have to say I am enjoying the light touch of this type of keyboard. Love the Office, (My main computer in Vista) and am falling in love with Windows 8. As a 65 year old newly retired Male, I look forward to hours of fun on my new slate. Thank you Microsoft!