Supply Shortage Sours Microsoft's Surface Pro Launch
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Microsoft's Surface Pro made its debut over the weekend, but many consumers were disappointed when they realized retailers didn't have the new tablets in stock.
Microsoft officially launched the upgraded Intel-powered tablet on Saturday at select retailers and online in the U.S. and Canada, but it seems the tech giant didn't have adequate supply of the 128 GB model in time for the roll out.
Unlike the ARM-based Surface RT tablet, which was released several months ago, consumers were not given the choice to pre-order a 64 GB or 128 GB Surface Pro tablet. So instead, many consumers made the trek to local retailers—like Best Buy, Staples and Microsoft retail stores—to purchase the new tablet. But consumers were sent packing after they were told the tablets had already sold out.
"Customer response to the launch of Surface Pro has been amazing. We're working with our retail partners who are currently out of stock of the 128GB Surface Pro to replenish supplies as quickly as possible. Our priority is to ensure that every customer gets their new Surface Pro as soon as possible," the company said in blog post.
But, consumers took to the Surface blog to vent their frustrations about the supply shortage calling for answers from Microsoft about when they can get their hands on the Surface Pro. Some customers posted about their personal experience in trying to buy the new tablet, reporting that some of the retailers they visited only had several units of the 128 GB model.
"At a minimum at least allow back ordering so those of us actively wanting to purchase a 128gb Surface Pro can gain our rightful place in line. The lack of being unable to back order or MS being unable to provide an expected available date insinuates a serious supply problem," one commenter with the alias Cschofield65 said.
Another commenter by the username of Aryann posted, "Just give a date when the 128gb unit will be available."
