Microsoft's Surface Tablet Finally (Officially) Arrives

After months of sketchy details, which prompted some analysts and critics to dub the tablet as another case of vaporware, Microsoft unveiled some more details about its Surface tablets.

A screengrab from Microsoft's TV ad for the Surface tablet

Complete with a music-and-dance TV ad, which showed off some of the tablet's eye-candy features, the "great unveiling" of Microsoft's pricing strategy for the Surface tablet, specifically for the Windows RT version, had most of the media in frenzy although not as rabid as those generated by an Apple product launch.

Nevertheless, the Surface announcements grabbed some serious media and analyst attention.

Prices Surfaced

So, finally, four months after announcing the Surface tablets, Microsoft released its pricing scheme for the Windows RT (ARM chip-friendly) edition of the erstwhile software company's first hardware product designed and manufactured "in-house."

And what promptly came to industry analysts' minds after Microsoft's Surface announcements: Why did it take so long to announce the prices?

The Windows RT version of Microsoft's Surface tablet, finally and officially revealed

Now, this makes some people wonder what these analysts are imbibing. Weren't they listening when Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said, "If you look at the bulk of the PC market, it would run between probably between $300 and $700 or $800"? He claimed that that price range would be the sweet spot.

While my wallet would have been much happier if the rumors about the Surface selling for $199 had turned out to be correct, the $499 starting price Microsoft announced is spot on. A $199 Surface would have made most consumers wonder about its quality, features, and capabilities.

Sold Out

The Surface's base model, the $499 32GB version, sold out on the first day of Microsoft's pre-order period. Microsoft's Web site now says it is scheduled to ship "within three weeks." Consumers who have pre-ordered the other two versions — the $599 32GB and $699 64GB models, both of which come with the black Touch Cover — can still expect to receive their Surface tablets by October 26.

While this could be a sign that Microsoft has got a potential bestseller in hand, critics (which the company seems to have plenty of lately) were also quick to point out that it could be a case of too little initial production volume.

Consumers' Pocket Shows Way

That is one of the worst clichés ever; nevertheless, it does ring true. Consumers will now decide the Surface's fate, and consequently, Microsoft's in the tablet computer market.

Would the Surface sell well enough and turn Microsoft into a serious contender in the market? Or would it tank and join Microsoft's list of failed products, which include Vista, the Kin smartphones, and the Zune?

While the Surface's pre-order numbers would tend to indicate a potential bestseller, the next few days after its October 6 coming will give us a more definite answer. The device carries much weight on its shoulders. That is certain.

Strong sales would mean Microsoft is indeed ready to rumble in the tablet market. It would also mean that Windows 8 is ready for prime time.