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Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet Launches -- And Sells Out By Barry Levine February 11, 2013 10:32AM     In favoring the 128 GB Microsoft Surface Pro, buyers seem to be saying, "If I'm already spending over $1,000 with a keyboard, I might as well get the more usable one," said analyst Avi Greengart, given that the Surface Pro is essentially "a premium Ultrabook without a keyboard permanently attached." Microsoft apparently mis-estimated demand for storage.   Related Topics Microsoft Surface Pro Surface RT Windows 8 Tablet iPad Latest News What's in Store for Apple's iOS 7? Reality TV's New Stars: Small Biz Soundbars Up the Ante on TV Sound Google Glass Raises Privacy Concerns Pentagon Gives iOS 6 Security OK It's either a sign of strong demand or poor inventory management -- or both. Microsoft 's Surface Pro tablet, its strongest offer so far in making a dent in the booming tablet category, reportedly sold out during its launch weekend. The Windows 8 Pro, Intel-based product became available for sale on Saturday, but various reports indicate that the 128 GB model in particular is sold out through Microsoft online and retailers. There were also reports and photos of lines of customers at some retailers, such as a two-hour wait at the Microsoft store in Seattle's University Village. The 64 GB version is more available, but it was the subject of criticism because, after accounting for system and other preloaded software , only 23 GB of disk space remains available. The 128 GB model features 83 GB free. 'Amazing' Response In an exchange on Reddit.com last week, Microsoft Corporate Vice President Panos Panay wrote that "initial reports out regarding available disk space were conservative," because they were based on pre-released models with extra data . He said the company's final production units were actually coming in with about 6-7 GB of additional free space. He also noted that storage space can be extended via the microSDXC socket for storage expansion, USB 3.0 and SkyDrive, and that a 64 GB model provides full Windows "and enough storage for a number of large application installs such as games, productivity apps ," and other uses. In a statement, Microsoft said that the "customer response to the launch of Surface Pro has been amazing." The company added that it was "working with our retail partners who are currently out of stock of the 128 GB Surface Pro to replenish supplies as quickly as possible." Not Much Supply? A key question is how much inventory the retailers actually have had. Avi Greengart, an analyst with industry research firm Current Analysis, said his understanding was that many of the retail outlets "did not have much supply." He said stores received one to 10 units, which "indicates some demand." Greengart told us that, in favoring the 128 GB unit, buyers seem to be saying, "If I'm already spending over $1,000 with a keyboard, I might as well get the more usable one," given that the Surface Pro is essentially "a premium Ultrabook without a keyboard permanently attached." He added that Microsoft apparently mis-estimated the demand for each model, and "probably should have gone with 128 GB and 256 GB versions." Greengart said that, anecdotally, he has "found a fairly high level of interest, particularly from mobile professionals, who are wondering if this product could give them the laptop they need plus the tablet they want." He also noted that "Microsoft has done a really good job with its ads, which are ubiquitous and striking," clearly showing that it's both a tablet and a laptop. Responding to some questions being posted online as to whether the relatively small amount of inventory is a deliberate attempt by Microsoft to induce shortages, Greengart said this was "probably not purposefully done," but appeared to be more of a result of misgauging the appeal of the 128 GB model.   Based on your interest in this article, here's something that may be of interest to you also: (Why?) This article relates to the following term(s) that also match our recommendation: Ipad. (Close) Gift Suggestion: Give your favorite children the gift of an amazing adventure in reading. Check out one of the hottest new series of the year: The Mason Dexter Adventure Series chronicles the adventures of Mason Dexter, a resourceful middle-school boy who builds amazing tech gadgets and saves America from impending doom. The Mason Dexter Adventure Series is available now on Amazon.com. Perfect to read on the iPad, Kindle, Android eBook readers, or any computer with Amazon's free Kindle app. Tell Us What You Think Comment: Name: deewinc: Posted: 2013-02-16 @ 5:34pm PT This is the reason why Apple is slashing prices on some of their MacBook line of products. Also Visit: iPad Info Center Billions of Bytes Mobile Device Now Apple Info Center TopTechWire.com CommVault is a data and information management software company dedicated to providing organizations worldwide with a radically better way to manage data and information. Their unique Solving Forward philosophy allows them to deliver complete solutions with infinite scalability and unprecedented control over data and costs. Be among the first to experience Simpana 10 software. Click here now.  Hardware 1.   Cisco Q3 Net Income Rises 14 Percent 2.   On the Dell-Icahn High Wire Act 3.   Dell Seeks Details on Investor Plan 4.   Icahn, Southeastern Prep Rival Bid 5.   Lenovo's Table PC Is Fun, Versatile Sony Vaio Fit Line Aims for Sweet Spot Optional touchscreens, value pricing. Average Rating: On the Dell-Icahn High Wire Act What does the future hold for Dell? Average Rating: Lenovo's Table PC Is Fun, Versatile Keeps you engaged and in touch. Average Rating:

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Syrian Electronic Army Hacks Financial Times The Financial Times is the latest victim of the Syrian Electronic Army, a group that supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The U.K.-based newspaper said a blog and its Twitter accounts were hacked.   Patch Tuesday Hyper Focuses on IE 8 Microsoft on Tuesday issued 10 security bulletins that fix 33 vulnerabilities. These updates include MS13-038, which will address the Internet Explorer 8 issue described in Security Advisory 2847140.   Surge of Venture Capital Buoys Tech Security Sector With companies and governments spending billions to repel cyberthreats, a surge of venture capital is pouring into companies developing cybersecurity technologies, the front line of the conflict.

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Mobile Enterprise Spotlight

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