Microsoft is expected to launch the Pro variant of its Surface tablet on January 26.
CNET called several Microsoft stores around the U.S. who all responded with a time frame of "end of the month." One store said the forthcoming tablet will launch on January 26.
Upon Microsoft announcing Surface in 2012, it said: "Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later."
Windows 8 launched worldwide on October 26, which would mean "About 90 days later" is January 26. At the end of November when it announced the Pro model, it said: "In January, Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in two versions and pricing will start at $899: 64GB standalone version at $899, 128GB standalone version at $999."
The Surface Pro variant will be powered by an Intel Ivy Bridge processor, accompanied by a 16:9 ClearType display featuring a 1,920x1,080 resolution.
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Zak Islam is a freelance writer focusing on security, networking, and general computing. His work also appears at Digital Trends and Tom's Guide.
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vmem Here comes the real surface... I have really mixed feelings about how it'll do.Reply
Regardless, it would drive tablet/ultrabook development in a great new direction -
ojas tuffjuffIf only that keyboard came with it, then the price would be a little more palatable.True, i doubt that keyboard is worth more than $25 anyway.Reply -
Daedalus12 I'm really hoping this does well. It's still priced a bit too much for me, but a strong showing with the surface pro should help drive competition and innovation. A true "laptop replacement" tablet at $699-799 would be great.Reply -
BringMeAnother I'm setting up a count down timer for this. Been waiting for a full OS tablet for ages. Still, I'd buy this only if the reviews are great. Otherwise I'd probably wait for the next generation.Reply
For those interested in Windows 8 (not RT) tablets (slates only) here are some names from my research:
Intel Core i7/i5/i3
Microsoft Surface Pro
Kupa X15
Acer Iconia Tab W700
Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro 700T
Intel Atom
Samsung ATIV Smart PC 500T
Asus ViVo Tab
HP Envy X2
HP ElitePad
Lenovo IdeaTab Lynx
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2
Acer Iconia Tab W510
Dell Latitude 10
ZTE V98 -
wemakeourfuture Daedalus12I'm really hoping this does well. It's still priced a bit too much for me, but a strong showing with the surface pro should help drive competition and innovation. A true "laptop replacement" tablet at $699-799 would be great.Reply
It won't do well. Myriad of reasons but price is a huge one. -
Everyone complains about price. Take a minute to think. ALL OUR LIVES, how much have tablet computers cost? WEEEELL over 1,300 sometimes. 999 is AWESOME for 120GB SSD and 1080 resolution?! PFFFFT, I know I'll be buying one if I want another tablet!Reply
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ikefu I've been contemplating getting an ultrabook for the portability factor and the Surface Pro will actually be cheaper than most Ultrabooks. Convenience of an iPad with the ability to run all my work programs and older PC games (woot Age of Empires 2 to go!)Reply
The only thing holding me back the coming release of Haswell CPUs late this year. The new S0ix active sleep state should help out with the poor battery life that comes with full Core CPU tablets.