Last week, we heard some rumors that Microsoft was looking to get its Surface tablets onto the shelves of retailers beyond just its own stores, and we'd be learning the details of this big new pre-holiday retail push in just a matter of days. Well, sure enough, Microsoft has just come through with such a confirmation, though the specifics are a little different from what was rumored earlier.

Those claims suggested that this expanded retail presence would first take place in nations that don't already have their own Microsoft stores, and the US would have to wait until the release of the Surface Pro to see a similar increase in availability. Instead, it's the US and Australia that will be the first to get this new treatment. Microsoft says that more countries will be added to that list over the next few months, but doesn't name names nor provide a more detailed timetable.

Staples has already announced that Surface will find a home on its shelves, and it's not wasting any time, either; you should be able to find the Surface RT in Staples stores as of tomorrow. Its prices will match Microsoft's, so this could be a good way to avoid the cost and delays shipping imparts.

Source: Microsoft, Yahoo Finance

Via: ZDNet