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.