Microsoft Surface Tablet Windows 8 Pro Specs

Ah, launch day. In the tech world, that means one thing: Those that do not preorder new and exciting devices are likely to be left in the cold or, worse, stuck calling retail stores in a frantic attempt to get their hands on a newly released product.

Enter Microsoft's Surface Pro. Early reports are coming in that both the 64-gigabyte and 128-gigabyte version of the tablet are completely sold out – you won't be able to pick one up for purchase as of this articles' writing on Microsoft's official online store. However, we don't yet have a figure what that sell-out represents in terms of actual devices shipped to consumers.

Just to give a little perspective, CNet's Edward Moyer reports that initial expectations for Surface RT sales were high – around 1.3 million devices, according to estimates from iSuppli, which seems right in line with the 1.25 million Surface RT tablets that Microsoft first shipped out. However, actual estimated sales of these tablets ended up being estimated at anywhere from 680,000 to 750,000 devices. Additionally, the return rate for Surface RT tablets was "very high."

"If you put the high return rate together with low sell-through [sales out] rate, that's indicative of a problem," said Rhoda Alexander, iSuppli analyst, in an interview with Cnet.

UBS analyst Brent Thrill said he thinks that Surface RT tablet sales number around a cool one million – half that of his previous estimate.

It's expected that the Pro will have a bit more appeal among consumers due to the slightly lesser learning curve required to operate the device versus the various restrictions on apps and capabilities blended into the Surface RT tablet. As to how that might translate into actual sales, however, that's anyone's guess for right now.

Nevertheless, if you're looking to score a Surface Pro tablet today, your best bet so far seems to be heading over to your Microsoft retail store where supplies of the tablets seem to be a bit more beefed up than at the more traditional brick-and-mortar retailers like Best Buy or Staples. At least, that's according to Gizmodo's Eric Limer, who has been digging around for reports on tablet availability.

Microsoft, so far, seems pleased with consumer response to the Surface Pro.

"Customer response to the launch of Surface Pro has been amazing. We are working with our retail partners who are currently out of stock of the 128GB Surface Pro to replenish supplies as quickly as possible. Our priority is to ensure that every customer gets their new Surface Pro as soon as possible," wrote a Microsoft spokesperson to Gizmodo.

Microsoft Surface Tablet Windows 8 Pro Specs

OS	Runs current Windows 7 desktop applications and integrates with your existing enterprise management infrastructure. Use the programs and the apps available in the Windows Store.
Exterior	10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53in 2lbs VaporMg casing Dark Titanium colour Volume and Power buttons
Storage	64GB*, 128GB *System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. See Surface.com/storage for more details.
Display	10.6" ClearType Full HD Display 1920x1080 pixels 16:9 (widescreen) 10-point multi-touch
Pen Input	Pen input and pen (included with purchase)
CPU	3rd Gen Intel Core i5 Processor with Intel HD Graphics 4000 4GB RAM—Dual Channel Memory
Wireless	Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy technology
Battery	42 W-h
Cameras and A/V	Two 720p HD LifeCams, front- and rear-facing with True Colour Microphone, Stereo speakers
Ports	Full-size USB 3.0 microSDXC card slot Headset jack Mini DisplayPort Cover port
Sensors	Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Compass
Power Supply	48W power supply (including 5W USB for accessory charging)
Warranty	1-year limited hardware warranty
Apps (included)	Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video and Games.

Microsoft surface windows 8 pro (Photo: Microsoft)

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