Microsoft announces next set of countries to get Surface Pro and RT
Microsoft seems to still be having trouble surfacing adequate stock of its 128 GB Surface Pro PC/tablet hybrid devices, but that isn't stopping the company from pre-announcing global distribution expansion plans for the Pro and its Surface RT sibling.
Microsoft officials announced on February 28 that Microsoft plans to expand Surface Pro distribution "in the coming months" beyond the U.S. and Canada. The next set of countries to get the Surface Pros -- starting in late March -- will be Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Microsoft is selling Surface Pros through its own brick-and-mortar and online stores here in the U.S. and Canada, as well as through Best Buy, Staples and Future Shop. Company officials have not yet said which retail stores will be carrying the Surface Pros. Microsoft has not yet opened its own stores in countries outside the U.S. and Canada.
Microsoft also plans to expand Surface RT availability to new countries "in the coming months," (also seemingly late March) including Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore and Taiwan. The set of retailers which will be offering the devices in these countries is not yet known. Earlier this month, Microsoft already expanded the set of countries offering the Surface RT.
Microsoft officials have not released any data regarding how many Surface RTs and/or Pros the company has sold to date. The Surface RT went on sale on October 26 through Microsoft Stores only. The Surface Pro went on sale on February 9.
Microsoft has been having trouble keeping the 128 GB version of the Surface Pro in stock. It's not clear whether this is due to unforseen demand or supply chain problems. Microsoft officials said in mid-February that more 128 GB Surface Pros should be available to customers in the next few weeks.
I've received a couple of tips claiming that Microsoft is planning to allow some of its reseller partners start carrying the Surfaces (primarily Pro) in the coming months, but Microsoft officials have not said officially that this will be the case.