Surface Pro Set For January 26 Launch, Says Microsoft Store

By Zak Islam
published

Forthcoming variant of tablet powered by Intel Ivy Bridge processor.

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
40 Comments Comment from the forums
  • ojas
    Ah was just thinking about this. Jan 26th is our Republic Day, interesting coincidence!
    Reply
  • vmem
    Here comes the real surface... I have really mixed feelings about how it'll do.

    Regardless, it would drive tablet/ultrabook development in a great new direction
    Reply
  • tuffjuff
    If only that keyboard came with it, then the price would be a little more palatable.
    Reply
  • 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
  • cknobman
    Priced too high for me to get one.

    Make the 128GB version $799 and I'll buy in.
    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.

    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
    Reply
  • 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.
    It won't do well. Myriad of reasons but price is a huge one.
    Reply
  • 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
  • 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!)

    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.
    Reply