Given the apparent slack performance of Microsoft first range of Surface tablets at retail – the RT in particular proving unpopular with consumers – all eyes are on how the newly revised SKUs will perform.

Early signs – albeit internal ones from within Microsoft – are good, however, with the company reporting that its initial batch of pre-order stock is close to selling out in the United States.

Surface success?

"We're pretty happy about this of course given we just unveiled Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 and the new accessories to the world only a week or so ago," detailed Microsoft.

Of course, with no information on just how many units Microsoft has ready to go for launch, it's hard to judge just how well the devices are performing – though the lower starter RRPs are likely to have had some measure of impact.

 

Microsoft lifted the lid on both the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 at the end of September, with their launch – pencilled in for 22 October in most western territories – scheduled to launch with Windows 8.1.

[source: Microsoft]