Surface Tablets Expanding into Non-Microsoft Stores?
Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to offer the Surface RT tablet in stores like Best Buy and Staples in mere days.
Paul Thurrott of Windows IT Pro reports that within days, Microsoft is expected to make its Surface RT tablet available to a broader retail audience. Currently the ARM-based Windows 8 tablet is sold through Microsoft's online store, and through its 32 brick-and-mortar stores scattered throughout the United States and Canada. But soon the tablet will reportedly be offered in traditional retail locations as well.
"This was always going to happen in very early 2013, but the software giant has apparently decided to ramp up the speed and make it happen before the holiday selling season is over," Thurrott stated, adding that his information stems from one of his "most trusted sources".
Microsoft reportedly was going to sell the tablet overseas in retail chains due to the lack of physical Microsoft Store locations. Meanwhile in the States, the Redmond company was rumored to launch Surface RT in Staples and Best Buy come January. But based on the new insider information, Microsoft's plan seems to have changed, moving the date into December instead.
Thurrott goes on to claim that news of Microsoft only selling $500,00 to 600,000 Surface RT tablets is "probably incorrect". Sources close to Microsoft's Surface RT sales numbers claim that the device is actually selling very well given a modest, Microsoft-limited distribution. Even more, Surface RT sales represent "one of the few bright spots in what is becoming an increasingly dire late-2012 launch season."
For now, potential customers can purchase the Surface tablet with Windows RT here. The 32 GB version without the Touch Cover retails for $499. However customers wanting the 32 GB version with the Touch Cover must shell out $599, and those wanting 64 GB of storage and a Touch Cover will be required to scrape up $699. The Redmond company also sells the Touch Cover separately for $119.99, and the Type Cover for $129.99.
Earlier this week, Forbes reported that "almost no one is buying" Microsoft's Surface RT tablet. Boston-based brokerage firm Detwiler Fenton said that Microsoft will likely sell less than one million units in the December quarter because of a lack of distribution – aka the tablet's unavailability in popular stores like Best Buy, Staples, Walmart and more. Mixed reviews and a $499 starting price isn't helping move units either.
Maybe this is why Surface RT is hitting retail stores early – to bring sales up before the quarter ends? We'll find out soon enough.
SUPER ULTRA MEGA FACEPALM CUBED
Uh, there's a thing called Best Buy, Staples, Office Max, Walmart, and Target.
I've been to one. A complete copy of Apple at every level.
At my local Microsoft store they even leased the space right next to Apple and have the setup exactly the same as Apple.
Surface was DOA when they did not want stores like Best Buy, Staples, Walmart etc to sell it.
When people (like you) don't even know they have stores, don't really buy from them online, nor have seen the product, who is going to pre-order this? Not many. When they try to charge around the same as an iPad, who is going to buy it? Not many. When they release 2 version RT & Pro, how many are going to commit to buying one? Not many.
Hence why Microsoft's projection of 4 million RT sold are being reduced to 2 million and are more realistically being estimated at 1.3 million.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Store
Only 32 (Apple has almost 400) but you won't get the Apple "experience" there.
Burger King also does that sometimes. They would wait for McDonald to do the research and make the move, and then build their own restaurant right across the street.
Microsoft really needs to clean house. It's been one blunder after another with Surface and Windows 8. I can easily see Surface going the way of Zune in a year or two.
Yes - they're completely identical to the Apple Stores - right down to the Genius Bar.
I'm holding out for my Christmas bonus, I will personally be buying a Surface RT tablet. I have played with one and love it, do recommend the type cover though. Great device and you might be surprised just how many apps there are for it. May not be 500,000 but I don't I don't need the "pop my zit" or "Hello Kitty" app on my device...
On the other hand I did like the overall layout of the store. They just need to hire some intelligent life.
Classy, quality, brilliant, futuristic, well thought-out, and good attention to detail;
Full-featured full-strengths fully-fledged versatile no-tracking no-spying and long-trusted OS;
Computer networking, USB, peripheral connectivity, expandable data storage, a convenient file system, HDTV wide screen, outperforming Sub-Pixel Rendering, remarkable battery run time, 2-hour charging;
Insanely-long support useful lifecycle, more hardware-vendor choices, one-OS one-user-interface for all your computer devices (from phone, tablet, notebook, desktop, all-in-one, TV, car ...? from 4" to 152"?);
An integrated keyboard-cover, in addition to the multiple choices of on-screen keyboards and pen input;
A tablet hybrid in magnesium casing with a clicking leg, for the fun-loving consumers (live-windows-tiles interface) and the power users as well;
Compatible at home, work, and on the road;
It charms in your hands, thrives on the table, and sleeps in your briefcase;
Play better, work smarter!
It does not end here, as you mature, it grows too for many many years to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmxqm8Qii-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=INNrmVQSmkA&NR=1