Microsoft’s first tablet, the Surface RT was launched to great fanfare on October 26 last year. The tablet had a bit of a wavering start, a lot of it due to limited distribution.
But now Redmond has decided to bring the device to 13 more markets, which should quite nicely double the amount of countries where people can get their hands on a Surface RT.
All the 13 new countries set to debut the Surface RT in the coming weeks are in Europe, which is an important region for Microsoft. The list includes: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The general manager of Microsoft Surface division, Panos Panay, said in a prepared statement:
“The response to Surface has been exciting to see. We’re thrilled to continue growing the Surface family with the availability of Surface Windows 8 Pro on Feb. 9 and by increasing the number of places customers can experience Surface firsthand.”
One thing which Microsoft is yet to define is the pricing for these new territories, but most expect it to be in line with what these tablets cost in the United States — the basic 32GB model without a Touch Cover retailing for $499.
Surface RT distribution has increased in the past few weeks, as Microsoft has ramped up the distribution channels. Initially the tablet could only be purchased at Microsoft Stores, a move which was cited by analysts as one of the reasons for the slow uptake.
Industry experts estimate that Microsoft has moved over 1 million Surface RT units by now, a figure set for considerable increase as the tablet makes its debut in more markets.
