was “killing the Surface” by keeping distribution limited to just their Microsoft stores and their online ordering site. Apparently Microsoft agrees with this sentiment and is looking to do something about it. According to Window’s guru Paul Thurrott, Microsoft always intended to ramp up its retail presence outside of their own Stores starting in 2013– but they are now upping the timeline. In order to get more of the last-minute holiday sales, Microsoft is planning to launch the Surface RT is select partners outside of its current chain. If they really are going to do this, as Thurrott claims citing unnamed sources, it is going to have to happen quick. The holiday shopping season is almost over, and so the move will likely need to happen sometime next week if this is actually true. If true, what stores can we expect to carry the Surface RT? We’ve already heard past rumors about Verizon possibly carrying the hardware, and Best Buy also seems like a logical choice. For now, I’d take this all with a grain of salt. Even if it does happen in the next week or two, do you think it will make a difference this late into the shopping season or not? [ source ]]]>
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Verizon? As in a 4G version of the surface? Now that’s intriguing…
I don’t know how likely I see these rumors in the short term. I do see them ramping into other stores eventually, but I don’t know about some quick “get them to the stores this week” move. Maybe once the Surface Pro comes out.
I’m really glad to hear this rumor (after reading and commenting on the previous article). Hopefully this can catch those people who don’t live near a Mall which has a Microsoft store or a kiosk. I’m one of those people who needs to feel and touch a product before plunking down that much money. If Microsoft makes does make this happen in time for all of those curious Christmas shoppers, the hardware will sell itself.
It couldn’t be done in a week. If the surface does show up next week, then they must have planned for it long time ago.
This Holiday Season? Tough one!