Surface Pro gets May 23 UK release date, starts at £719

It’s been a long time coming, but UK consumers who’ve been waiting patiently for the launch of the Pro version of Microsoft’s Surface tablet finally have a date, and it’s not far away.

The 10.6-inch Windows 8 tablet will hit the computer giant’s UK online store on May 23, with the 64GB version retailing for £719 and the 128GB version going for £799. There’s no word yet on whether any bricks-and-mortar stores will be stocking the device – the already-released RT version is available at stores such as John Lewis, PC World and Currys.

Microsoft announced the news of the Pro’s imminent launch in a release on Wednesday. Senior product manager Robert Epstein said in the release there’s been “strong anticipation” for the Surface Pro in the UK, adding, “We’re excited to be able to offer people a fully blown Windows 8 PC packed with powerful processing features in the innovative Surface design.”

UK-based buyers who want to make use of the Surface’s click-on keyboard – the ultra-thin Touch Cover – will have to fork out an additional £99. Alternatively, the Type Cover, which allows for a more conventional typing experience, is selling for £109. It’s not currently clear whether Microsoft’s recently announced offer of a free Touch or Type Cover with purchases of the RT version will extend to the Pro model. The offer runs until the end of June and is open to UK residents only.

With the iPad and iPad Mini continuing to dominate the tablet market, and Google’s Nexus slates and Amazon’s Kindle Fire offerings proving popular with consumers, Microsoft will do well to make an impact in the UK with the launch of its Surface Pro device, though it should be helped by the fact that the tablet is aimed more at business users than home users.

In other recent developments, Microsoft is rumored to be working on a 7-inch version of the Surface, which could be unveiled as early as next month.

[via engadget]

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