Microsoft Surface SA launch window announced
Microsoft South Africa recently posted on Twitter that the indications are that the Surface tablet will launch in South Africa during the second half of 2013.
The Intel-based “Pro” model of the tablet PC launched in the US and Canada on 9 February 2013 while the ARM-based “RT” version rolled out to 13 more territories.
International pricing for the Surface according to Microsoft’s website is as follows:
| Microsoft Surface pricing | US | UK |
| 32GB Surface RT | $499 (R4,566) | £399 (R5,578) |
| 32GB Surface RT with cover | $599 (R5,481) | £479 (R6,696) |
| 64GB Surface RT | $599 (R5,481) | £479 (R6,696) |
| 64GB Surface RT without cover | $699 (R6,396) | £559 (R7,815) |
| 64GB Surface Pro | $899 (R8,226) | N/A |
| 128GB Surface Pro | $999 (R9,141) | N/A |
| * Exchange rates: R9.15/$, R13.98/£ | ||

Microsoft Surface coming to South Africa (via Twitter)
Some of the key specifications of the Surface Pro and Surface RT tablet PCs are summarised in the table below:
| Specifications | Microsoft Surface Pro | Microsoft Surface RT |
| Operating System | Windows 8 | Windows RT |
| Display | 10.6″ 1080p (1920×1080) | 10.6″ 1366×768 |
| Rear camera | 720p (sub 1MP) | 720p (sub 1MP) |
| Front camera | 720p (sub 1MP) | 720p (sub 1MP) |
| Storage, internal | 64/128GB | 32/64GB |
| Storage, expandable | microSDXC, USB 3.0 | microSDXC |
| RAM | 4GB | 2GB |
| Dimensions | 275 x 172 x 13mm | 275 x 172 x 9.4mm |
| Weight | 907g (2 lbs) | 680g |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge | Nvidia T30 |
| Graphics | Intel HD 4000 | ULP GeForce |
| Battery | 42Wh | 31.5Wh |
More Microsoft Surface news
Microsoft developing seven-inch Surface tablet: report
Microsoft Surface still unconfirmed for SA
Microsoft Surface Pro gets negative early reviews
Microsoft Surface Windows 8 Pro tablet pricing and launch date
Microsoft Surface pricing revealed