Microsoft Surface on product pages in select European countries, US

The Microsoft Windows 8 launch event is slated for October 26, and the Microsoft Windows Phone 8 launch is scheduled October 29. One of the big talking points of the Windows 8 event is that the Surface tablet will be launched at the same time. WPCentral now reports that the Surface tablet has now begun appearing on the product pages of Microsoft across a host of countries across Europe and the US.

As per the report, George Ponder of WPCentral states, “We are seeing some indication that Microsoft's Surface tablet will be heading to Europe. If you look at Microsoft's product pages for France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and other European Countries, the Surface is now listed. We know that the Surface will only be available through the Microsoft's Stores. Stores, at least the brick and mortar variety, that don't exist outside the U.S. which makes the listing a bit of a puzzle.”

Coming soon

The website goes on to report that the fact that it is appearing on product pages in Europe means that it could be up for grabs by means of online purchases. However, the website concludes, “this could just be a case where Microsoft is listing their complete product line across the board for all to see. Hopefully, it's a sign that the Surface will be a global product for all to enjoy.”

Official pricing of the Surface tablet isn't available yet, but Microsoft’s CEO Steve Balmer has indicated that it could range between $300 and $800. However, he merely indicated that this price could be a sweet spot for the pricing of the tablet.

The Microsoft Surface tablets will be available in two types: one is a budget-friendly version and will feature Windows RT running on ARM chipsets, and the other version is the Windows 8 Pro tablet running on Ivy Bridge processors and expected to be priced similarly to Ultrabooks. In a statement regarding the pricing of the tablets, Microsoft said, “Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC.”

Here are the specifications of the Surface tablets:
Surface for Windows RT

• OS: Windows RT
• Weight: 676 grams
• Depth: 9.3mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
• Energized: 31.5Wh
• Connectivity: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Productive: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
• Practical: VaporMg Case and Stand
• Configurable: 32GB, 64GB

 
Surface for Windows 8 Pro

• OS: Windows 8 Pro
• Weight: 903 grams
• Depth: 13.5mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD Display
• Energized: 42Wh
• Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
• Practical: VaporMg Case and Stand
• Configurable: 64GB, 128GB