We expected it would be the case, but now Microsoft has confirmed its Surface tablet will land the same day as Windows 8, the next-gen operating system it runs.

"The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices," Microsoft said in its annual report, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Microsoft had previously said Surface would be available at the same time as Windows 8, but this is official confirmation.

Two versions

It's the more wallet-friendly Windows RT Surface tablets that'll go on sale on October 26. They'll run on ARM chips.

The pricier versions, running Intel Ivy Bridge processors, will go on sale about 90 days later, so early 2013.

Pricier than an iPad

So how much will they cost? Microsoft is keeping its cards close to its chest. "Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC," it said in a statement.

Though the other day a Swedish retailer leaked the price as starting around £650 for the 32GB Windows RT model. This shoots up to a crazy £1,389 for a 128GB Windows Pro version. That's far more than any other tablet on the market.

Perhaps aware of this, Microsoft has put out a set of disclaimers regarding the success of Windows 8. It says it expects to "incur substantial marketing costs in launching Windows 8 and associated services and devices, which may reduce our operating margins."

In other words, if it doesn't fly, Microsoft is in trouble.

Via: CNET