• October 16, 2012

Microsoft is accepting pre-orders for its Surface tablet, ahead of the device’s official launch later this month.

Initial pricing for the device (which will come with Windows RT as its operating system) will be $399 for a 32 GB version; $599 for a 32 GB version with a black Touch Cover (which can double as a full-sized keyboard) and $699 for a 64 GB version with a Touch Cover. Touch covers will also be available in other colors (such as white, magenta, cyan and red) for $119.99.

While a limited number of pre-orders are being taken at ww.surface.com, the tablet will be available at Microsoft Store locations throughout the U.S. and Canada (including the 34 pop up stores created for the holidays) beginning Oct. 26. Online purchases will be available in eight global markets: Australia, Canada, China, France, German, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the U.S.