Microsoft Surface Tablet Release Date in Japan in March; Surface RT Expected to Debut First, According to Report

Microsoft's Surface table could be making its way to Japan if reports are accurate.

The Sunday morning edition of the Nikkei, via The Wall Street Journal's Market Watch, stated Microsoft will start selling the Surface tablet as early as March - next month.

Although there are two versions of the Surface tablet - the Surface with Windows RT and the Surface with Windows 8 Pro - it is expected for the former to be sold first in Japan.The Surface with Windows RT launched in the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Australia, and China since late October. According to Market Watch, the 32GB Surface with Windows RT tablet is priced at $499. In Japan, the 32GB model is expected to be priced at about 50,000 yen.

Microsoft has not confirmed about the Surface with Windows RT in Japan, but has told CNET, "The worldwide customer response to Surface has been exciting and humbling to see. In order to meet customer demand and retailer expectations, we are taking a phased approach to the availability of Surface. With regard to additional markets, we have nothing further to share at this time."

The news of the Surface tablet shipping to Japan comes after Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stating he is "super-glad" his company launched the tablet.

The Microsoft CEO told MIT Technology Review that the Surface is important not only for Microsoft, but "for the entire Windows eco-system-to see integrated hardware and software.

The Surface with Windows RT sales have not been confirmed by Microsoft, but IDC's Mobile Device Tracking Program Manager Ryan Reith stated up to 900,000 Surface with Windows RT were shipped during the last quarter.

In light of Microsoft not officially disclosing its tablet sales, Ballmer did note, "In an environment in which there's 350 million PCs sold, I don't think Surface is going to dominate volume, but it's a real business," said Ballmer.

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