Today is the Surface Pro's big day in the sun. And if you want a good launch, you've got to make sure you've got the things you're selling and they're in places where people can buy them. So far, it looks like that's not the case when it comes to the Surface Pro.
The 128GB model sold out within hours at the online Microsoft store, but no matter, the combo tablet-laptop-future-device is also available at brick-and-mortar Microsoft store locations as well as Best Buy, Staples, right? Well, MS stores aren't exactly common, and Best Buy and Staples aren't exactly well stocked.
We're getting reports that many Best Buys have either received no units aside from the demo ones that started to go out last weekend, or have received just one or two that immediately go to pre-orders. It seems like many Staples aren't getting any Surface Pros at all, and even entire cities like Dallas and Houston are being left completely in the lurch and plenty of people who went out of their way to pre-order the devices at local stores are just getting the shaft. Actual Microsoft stores, on the other hand, seem to be well-stocked if you can find one.
We've reached out to Best Buy, Staples, and Microsoft. We'll update when we get a response.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Update: Microsoft has responded, saying the following:
Customer response to the launch of Surface Pro has been amazing. We are 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