Microsoft's Surface Pro -- the version of its Surface tablet that runs full Windows 8 -- will be on sale in a matter of weeks in the US and Canada.
The powerful tablet will cost from $899 -- £570 -- when it goes on sale on 9 February, but other nations may be left waiting, as the Verge reports that additional countries will "follow in the coming weeks and months".
That means Brits keen to get their mitts on Microsoft's kit may be waiting a while longer. That's frustrating news for UK gadget fans who may have held off buying the already-released Surface RT tablet, in the hope of snapping up the full-fat model.
The first Surface, which was released in November to faint applause, can only install software via Microsoft's own app store, which makes it a poor laptop replacement (though it does cost a more palatable £399).
The Surface Pro, on the other hand, will let you install anything you like, and also packs an Intel Core i5 processor and a 1,920x1,080-pixel screen. It's heavier than the Surface RT though, and a little thicker at 13.5mm.
While Windows 8 has an attractive new interface, it's fair to say it hasn't set the world on fire since it was released towards the end of last year. Microsoft annoyed some of its hardware partners by deciding to make its own tablet, and Samsung canned its Ativ Tab device, blaming Microsoft for not explaining Windows RT properly. Acer has also stuck its Windows RT tablets on hold.
In other words, Microsoft could probably use a big win right now, and perhaps a cuddle too. Neither are likely to be forthcoming if shoppers have to wait ages before they can snap up the Surface Pro, however.
Are you planning on buying the Surface Pro? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 9
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jayce35 22 January, 2013 21:50
nope .it would cause trying run fall win applications on this like the latest games or photoshop
Damien2701 22 January, 2013 22:42
Doesnt look like a bad product or anything but Microsoft have a history of making bad decisions. Making lots of windows phone 7 customers unhappy. Bringing out a half finished windows surface tablet then releasing this. Suddenly deciding to up the price of windows 8. Messing up the pricing of windows 7. Not a company i want to be attached to tbh
anonymous 23 January, 2013 09:05
Hi,
yes i was waiting, there should be no reason in this day and age for delayed launch across countries..
anonymous 23 January, 2013 12:09
I too was waiting, and I am very annoyed to be honest. If its anymore than 2 weeks later here I am going for an alternative.
anonymous 23 January, 2013 20:08
I am planning an getting it but I am angry that Brits have to wait longer
Stuart Perchard 24 January, 2013 22:46
See, there's this that I don't understand. Why would you want something like this when the Asus Transformer Infinity TF700T (1920x1200 screen) WiFi 64GB Full HD Quad-Core has been out for ages, proved itself to be the best with key board and every thing plus is cheaper buy a long way. Just can't get my head around this!
anonymous 28 January, 2013 12:25
@Stuart Perchard
> Why would you want something like this...
The Asus Transformer Infinity TF700T is an Android tablet, not a Windows 8 laptop.
anonymous 11 February, 2013 20:09
I am still currently waiting to buy it after holding off Sony vaio surface rt and the Mac book air becomes of the delay in pricing and realise date I am thinking of buying one of these as I don't have the time to wait Microsoft you are about to loose a long time customer
anonymous 26 February, 2013 14:55
Still awaiting any news of price and release for the UK. I can't believe it in such a connected and global company it can take so long for a worldwide release, or at least a time frame. My old laptop suffered the disasturous coffee spill incident and I'm looking for a replacement and this surface is really intresting to me, but I do not have much time to wait (using my previous 6-year old laptop is frustrating :P).
My only thought as to the delay, would be their slow production, as shown by the sellout in the US. Just hoping that by the time I get my hands on one, the Surface 2 isn't only a few months down the line, nothing more annoying than buying new tech to have its replacement released only a few months after..