Microsoft's Surface Pro Windows 8 tablet is set to hit shops in the US on 26 January, according to retailers. It's supposed to be turning up this side of the pond later this month too, but Microsoft is keeping schtum about concrete dates or indeed UK prices.
Speaking to Microsoft store salespeople, our Stateside colleagues gleaned that the Pro is pegged to arrive in late January. Microsoft originally stated that the Pro would arrive three months after its little brother -- Surface with Windows RT -- which pitched up in October, so that ties in neatly.
Given we're already in January and haven't heard a word, however, we were beginning to think its launch might be pushed back.
One US salesman even went so far as to say they're expecting it to go on sale on 26 January. I caught up with Microsoft and was informed there's no official date for a UK launch. Its spokesperson did say there's no delay, however, and the release is still in line with the original "three months" statement.
Pricing is also up in the air. In the US, the Surface Pro is expected to sell from $899 (£560) for the 64GB version or $999 (£622) for the 128GB model. Prices can often vary wildly once they cross the pond though -- add 20 per cent for VAT, for a start -- so I would take those with an artery-busting pinch of salt.
The Surface Pro is the version of Microsoft's new slate that runs the proper desktop version of Windows 8, rather than the cut-down, tablet-specific Windows RT. The Pro runs on powerful laptop processors, rather than weedier, less power-sucking mobile chips, so I'm looking forward to seeing exactly how much more burly it is than its sibling I reviewed late last year.
Make sure to keep your eyes peeled over the coming days and weeks for any news on Surface Pro release dates and pricing.
Are you excited for the Pro version? Is it the Windows 8 slate you've been waiting for? Record your thoughts in the comments below and over on our pro Facebook page.
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Comments 16
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anonymous 4 January, 2013 13:07
I really like the idea of the 'pro' version
As whilst I love my ipad, I find it annoying I need to use a laptop to 'plug stuff in' like - well. My ipod!
So if I can download itunes on a tablet, it means I can make playlists, download podcasts on the go etc and sync with my ipod
Plus i still have other USB type gadgets
Also, well. It really does seem like the best of both world
Yes the default answer is. Buy an ultrabook. But the surface just seems a little more. 'Fun' like an ipad
So if it comes in around the 600 pound price point. I would be very interested
anonymous 4 January, 2013 14:58
As an iPad user myself (which I love) I often find myself reaching for the laptop to do things. Either the website doesn't work properly, or you don't have access to the full content through the app (Lovefilm as example). And if you've got the lower 16GB capacity one (like me) you're annoyingly often on iTunes updating content, etc.
This will give you everything your computer does today, is very mobile and it can take a 128GB mini SD card to increase storage.
anonymous 4 January, 2013 17:15
At the silly prices they want, no thanks
anonymous 4 January, 2013 17:18
How's it silly? It's going to be around the same price as regular ultrabooks.
anonymous 4 January, 2013 17:18
How's it silly? It's going to be around the same price as regular ultrabooks.
anonymous 4 January, 2013 17:18
How's it silly? It's going to be around the same price as regular ultrabooks.
anonymous 5 January, 2013 15:32
Its not silly prices - you can't really compare it to the toy tablets currently on the market as it is a full blown laptop in a tablet format
anonymous 5 January, 2013 20:31
And this is way it would not find enough buyers! It appears Microsoft has not learnt from the fate of the Surface RT release. Have you seen it any aware - I own one and love it?
CaptainPicard 5 January, 2013 20:47
I think the price is silly. Microsoft needs to realise it's 2013, the PC and laptop industry is slowly dying and that this tablet is up against wildly popular devices like the iPad and Android tabs and even smartphones. Why should people buy this tablet when they can get other tablets that are £200+ cheaper?
CaptainPicard 5 January, 2013 20:49
And I ain't saying the actual device is crap or good, I'm saying it's overpriced.
anonymous 5 January, 2013 21:39
Thank you Captain Picard for answering why I consider any version of the surface is at a silly price.
anonymous 6 January, 2013 12:06
After reading the posts here I just have to say something, I've been an Apple user for years now, Iphone, Ipad, Laptop & Desktop Imac etc. The only think I can thank apple for is bringing us the (i) devices out so other companies bring better out. I say this as an Iphone lover now I use Samsung Gallery 3 and can't pay me to go back to the Iphone..
Makes me laugh reading "I LOVE MY IPAD" then go on to say I need my laptop go to any real surfing etc. Apples laptop and desktop IMac can not even preform as good as Windows, i.e take 15mins just to burn a disc - windows take around 8 mins to burn 4gb to disc.
The Surface Pro will replace all Apple devices and Samsung will replace the Iphones..
As soon as I get The Surface Pro I will be binning my i devices..
Anyone who thinks I am a fool - go to any Apple store and play with all apples devices then go and play with a Samsung Gallery 3 phone then you'll see what I am saying is true, same with Ipad and Surface Pro - the reason for the price is 99% of users use windows laptops etc. and not Android OS so think about it - all on your laptops & desktops software can run on the Surface Pro.
anonymous 6 January, 2013 18:21
Great comment! couldn't agree anymore, you can search all you like the Surface Pro is the new standard for laptop/tablets! Yeah the s3 is a great phone.
anonymous 7 January, 2013 12:13
"Makes me laugh reading "I LOVE MY IPAD" then go on to say I need my laptop go to any real surfing etc"
As the first 'Anonymous person to comment on this thread. and one of many to say I love my ipad. I am not sure why this would be a reason to 'laugh'
I am no 'fanboy' certainly have no loyalty to any hardware / software company.
But yes, I accept that the ipad if limited in many ways. But then. It isnt a laptop; which is surely why it has gone on to be so sucessful? Most people who own ipads surely have laptops
Much like owning a motorbike. I may love owning one, yet I accept it’s limited compared to a car
And as the device (surface) is not actually available yet. What option would I have other than to plug my ipod into a laptop?
Yes this appears to be the answers to my gadget needs. Though does not make the ipad less viable for the majority
But then we are on a message board. So....
anonymous 24 January, 2013 09:29
Its good that microsoft have finally deemed to grace us with a firm release date. But I find myself still screaming at the monitor in frustration, because there is still no UK release date, so. with all due respect microsoft. Up Yours.
anonymous 27 January, 2013 18:28
think it is too expensive i really want to buy it for my college work. but i don't think that it would be possible.