While online pre-orders for the 32GB entry level model of Microsoft's first tablet venture, Surface RT, are currently sold out, pushed back in some cases to three weeks, you can reserve a device in store to pick up on the official Oct. 26 release date, according to CNET.
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A user on a tech forum on the website WPCentral claims to have picked up a reservation pass at a Microsoft store in Oregon. As displayed by WPCentral, the pass indicates that a Surface RT tablet has been reserved for the customer.
To reserve a Surface RT ahead of time the only requirement is that the person must reach the Microsoft Store before 12 p.m. on October 26, the day the tablet officially goes on sale. Then, "your Surface will be ready for you to purchase."
According to forum user "jdevenberg," the Microsoft store employee had a stack of around 150 to 200 passes. The user claims to have a pass numbered 002, a possible sign that the reservation program had just begun.
If you're looking to buy a Surface tablet sooner rather than later, using Microsoft's reservation system at your closest store may be a better option than trying to find the device online.
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The $499 32GB version without a Touch Cover shows a ship date of three weeks on Microsoft's order page. But the $599 32GB and $699 64GB models, both with the Touch Cover included, indicate a delivery date by October 26.
Buyers who opt for the $499 version, but want a Touch Cover will have to pay an extra $120. And if you want the heavily advertised Type Cover keyboard you need an extra $130.
Microsoft's per-order deal is a very limited offer though. Microsoft has no where near as many physical stores as Apple. The Microsoft Store web site currently lists 26 stores across 14 states.
Windows 8 release
With the release of Windows 8 alongside the Surface tablets, for first time, Microsoft will be in direct competition with partners that help generate sales for its $14 billion-a-year Windows software business.
"It's always tough when you're competing with your partners," says Shaw Wu, an analyst with Sterne Agee. "That's what Microsoft has decided to do."
IHS sees worldwide tablet sales exploding in the next few years from 19.9 million units sold in 2010 to 386 million in 2016. Currently, Apple's iPad is the bulldog, with 62 percent, compared with 34 percent for tablets using Android. Microsoft only controls three percent of the tablet market.
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But Windows has impressive growth potential, says IHS. Analysts at the company see the market diversifying. Microsoft will have a 24 percent share of the tablet market by 2016, according to research firm. Of course, much of that depends on just how well the Surface tablet works.
Whatever the potential downsides to Microsoft, its entry into tablets is crucial because the PC market is expected to decline this year for the first time since 2001.
"The worst thing that can happen is stagnation in the market," Nomura analyst Rick Sherlund says. "At least (Microsoft is) getting in the game now."
Microsoft Surface tablet features
The RT sports a 1366x768 HD screen, while the PRO has a 10.6-inch Clear type Full HD (1920 x 1080) screen with 16:9 widescreen.
That means they are among the biggest tablets in the market. If you are not satisfied with the typical 10.1-inch tablet, you can go for the Surface tablet. Along with the touch keyboards with the device, you can turn the machine to a small notebook.
The Surface tablet comes with five Touch Covers. Different from typical keyboards, the Surface keypads provide a smoother typing experience thanks to their touch-based surface.
The Surface tablets mount both front and rear cameras. The front camera, named life cam by Microsoft, makes the tablet ideal for video chatting through Skype or other services. Using the rear camera, you can capture images and video clips.
Microsoft puts forward better memory options with the Surface tablets. The device comes in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB options. The 128GB is available only with Surface Pro. Further, you can expand the memory using external memory sticks thanks to microSD card slot. That is, you can store enough data including music, software items and video in external clips.
The 3mm Touch Cover can be connected to your Surface tablet with a single magnetic click, so, now you can type text and send messages quite easily.
The Surface's tablet housing features a revolutionary kickstand. Along with fully functioning keyboard and track-pad, the integrated kickstand helps you place the gadget in both portrait or landscape modes.
According to Bloomberg, Surface will only be able to go online using a short-range Wi-Fi connection. This is a stark contrast to Apple's iPad 3, which has a 3G option, and a faster LTE connection.