The new tablet was sold out in less than three hours

Feb 11, 2013 08:31 GMT  ·  By

The Surface with Windows 8 was marked as “sold out” at Microsoft, Best Buy and Staples stores in the United States almost three hours after the public debut, so some of the customers waiting in line for a device had no other choice but to leave home empty-handed.

Unfortunately for Microsoft, most customers have turned against the company, criticizing it for failing to provide enough tablets to interested buyers.

Frustrated users posted comments on the newly-released Surface blog, confirming that most Microsoft stores ran out of tablets soon after the launch.

“I was MS-Store before 11 am on SAT. But I couldn't get Pro-128GB and visited 2 Best Buys and called 3 Staples. Unfortunately, I couldn't get any good news from them. This launch should have been delayed with lack of stock,” one of the users said.

“It may have been exciting for you, but for many of your customers, it was an extreme disappointment. I was included in the disappointed group. Why doesn't the Microsoft online store accept orders and provide estimated delivery dates with an option to opt out? That is basic online retail support. If I want a Surface Pro I have to waste my time canvasing the Microsoft store, Best Buy and Staples,” another one added.

Soon after the Surface Pro was sold out in the United States, Microsoft posted a statement on its official blog informing that it was working with partners to replenish supplies and make more tablets available to customers.

“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,” Panos Panay said in a statement.

Both versions of the Surface Pro are now up for grabs, not only at Microsoft Stores in the United States, but also at Best Buy, Staples and online.