When Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablet went on sale earlier in February, prospective buyers quickly ran into problems finding it: retail stores like Best Buy were reported to have very limited stock, and the 128GB model quickly sold out online. Now, Surface team head Panos Panay has promised the shortages will be resolved soon, hopefully this week. Panay recently responded to questions on a scheduled Twitter chat:
Microsoft promises Surface Pro tablets will be back in stores later this week
is a senior tech and policy editor focused on online platforms and free expression. Adi has covered virtual and augmented reality, the history of computing, and more for The Verge since 2011.
@evansturdivant We are shipping more 64gb now to BBY, Staples, MS Store and online. 128gb at BBY and MS Stores by Saturday #winchat
— Panos Panay (@panos_panay) February 12, 2013
Panay didn’t go into sales details, but he said that “there continues to be great demand. We’re working hard to restock so we can reach as many customers as soon as possible.” While major new products temporarily selling out isn’t unusual (we regularly see the same from Apple and Google), Microsoft does seem to have significantly underestimated interest here, and it’s trying to reassure enthusiasts that they won’t be waiting long.
Update: In a blog post, Microsoft has re-affirmed the information given by Panay and stated that customers in Canada should expect a “similar timeline” for stock replenishment — though it may take a few days longer.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
