Microsoft's Surface Debuts In Japan

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Microsoft Corp. on Friday released its much-anticipated Surface tablet computer in Japan, five months after the device's global launch in October.

The Surface RT will be sold online and through more than 1,000 consumer electronics volume retailers. It will come pre-installed with the latest version of Microsoft's Office software suite.

Prices start at 49,800 yen, lower than those of Apple Inc.'s iPad. The U.S. software giant hopes the device will help promote its Windows 8 operating system.

Brian Hall, who oversees the development of tablet computers at Microsoft, expressed confidence in the new tablet. Stressing that the company spent more than two years on development, he said the Surface is suited for both entertainment and business purposes.

(The Nikkei, March 16 morning edition)

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