For the few of you who don’t already have an iPad (or even a Google Nexus Tablet), Microsoft will start taking preorders for its Surface tablet today. Said preorders will begin at 12:00PM Eastern, 9AM Pacific. Heck, that’s right now!
Although, don’t get your hopes up too much because Microsoft has said that quantities will be limited during the pre-sale period. Shocking that they said that, right?
The Surface, which is initially only available running Windows RT, will start at $499 for the base model, which includes 32GB of internal storage. 64GB will set you back $599. Other specs include the NVIDIA T30 processor, 2GB of RAM, front- and rear-facing 720p HD cameras, a full USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0 and microSDXC support.
The Surface also comes with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview with a free upgrade to the full version once it becomes available. Plus, you can get those cool soft-touch keyboards in a variety of colors for $119.99 each and the Type Cover is available for $129.99.
If you want one, head on over to www.surface.com and do it. The full press release is after the break.
Microsoft Announces New Surface Details
Ahead of Oct. 26 launch, Microsoft outlines pricing, market availability and special limited quantity pre-order.
REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 16, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today released new details about its highly anticipated Microsoft Surface, a tablet PC designed to be the ultimate stage for Windows. In addition to pricing and market availability, the company announced a special limited-quantity pre-order for Surface with Windows RT available 9 a.m. PDT. Those who want to learn more or pre-order can visit http://www.Surface.com.
Surface delivers the power of amazing software and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience. Originally unveiled in June, Surface with Windows RT will initially be available in three SKUs: a 32GB version priced at US$499, a 32GB version bundled with a black Touch Cover priced at US$599, and a 64GB version bundled with a black Touch Cover priced at US$699.
A variety of accessories will also be available, including Touch Covers in five vibrant colors — black, white, magenta, cyan and red — priced at US$119.99 so customers can express their personal style1. Customers will also have the option to purchase a Type Cover in black for US$129.99, which adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.
Surface will be available for purchase beginning Oct. 26, 2012, at all Microsoft Store locations in the United States and Canada, including in all 34 new holiday stores. In addition, Surface will be available for sale online in eight markets across the world: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States. See Surface.com for more details.
Additional Product Information — Surface With Windows RT
Software
Surface with Windows RT comes with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview2 (which includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote)
Exterior
10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 inches, 1.5 pounds, VaporMg casing, dark titanium color, volume and power buttons
Storage
32 GB3; 64 GB
CPU
NVIDIA T30, 2 GB of RAM
Wireless
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 technology
Cameras
Two 720p HD cameras, front- and rear-facing
Audio
Two microphones, stereo speakers
Ports
Full-size USB 2.0, microSDXC card slot, headset jack, HD video out port, cover port
Sensors
Ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass
Power Supply
24W power supply
Warranty
One-year limited hardware warranty
Apps (included)
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview2 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote), Windows Mail and Windows Messaging, SkyDrive, Windows Internet Explorer 10, Bing, Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and Xbox Games
Those interested in learning more or pre-ordering can visit http://www.Surface.com or follow Surface on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Surface and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/surface.
