Microsoft is dead-set on making the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 best-selling devices, notwithstanding the debacle the company suffered from when it launched the older versions of the two tablets.

To ensure that there would be not be another writedown over unsold tablets, Microsoft even warned consumers to place their order so they won't face a shortage of the device, claiming that pre-orders of the 32GB Surface 2 had been sold out in the U.S.

The 64GB model is scheduled for shipment on Oct 25, while all Surface Pro 2 models, except the 64GB model, will ship from a few days to one week after the tablets debut in Oct 22 in bricks and mortar stores.

Microsoft has 77 stores in the U.S., 3 in Canada and 1 in Puerto Rico.

It also hired Pitbull to perform at its Orlando, Florida location.

The company will also open at midnight on Oct 21 to make available the two tablets at the earliest possible time in 10 locations. These are at

  • Bellevue Square Mall
  • Westfield San Francisco Centre
  • Scottsdale Fashion Square
  • Dadeland Mall (Miami)
  • Lennox Square Mall (Atlanta)
  • The Shops at Prudential Center (Boston)
  • The Westchester (White Plains, New York)
  • The Domain (Austin, Texas)
  • The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (Arlington, Virginia)
  • Oakbrook Center Mall (Oak Brook, Illinois.

There will be games at prizes at these 10 locations. One of the prizes is a chance to watch Pitbull perform on the morning of Oct 22 at Microsoft's Orlando store, plane tickets included.

Microsoft launched the Surface 2 in September, offering a better tablet than its predecessor with the latest Intel chips and longer battery life, plus a new two-position kickstand for easier use on laps when connected to its keyboard accessory.

When Microsoft introduced the original Surface tablets in October 2012, it also held a midnight sale in regular retail outlets as well as in over 30 pop-up stores.

It seems that all is set for the event, except the big question if there would be long lines of interested buyers similar to when the iPhone 5S and 5C became available in U.S. and UK stores in September?

RELATED STORIES