MICROSOFT will launch its ARM-based Surface tablets at the same time the company releases Windows 8.

The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on Oct. 26, 2012.

During a press event in June, Microsoft said that ARM-based Surface for Windows RT would be available sometime during the general release of Windows 8.

The Surface Pro, based on an Intel chip, will launch about three months after the ARM tablets. Microsoft also said that the Surface RT tablets would be priced in line with comparable slates, and the Pro would be priced similar to Ultrabooks.

Microsoft admitted that the new strategy was not without risks. Surface devices will compete with products made by OEM partners, which may affect their commitment to the platform.

Surface for Windows RT will have a 10.6-inch display, microSD card reader, USB 2.0 port, MicroHD out, and riyhrt 32GB or 64GB storage. The Surface PRO will feature the same size screen, microSDXC reader, USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, pen input technology, and 64GB or 128GB of storage.

So far Microsoft has not announced pricing or a launch date for its Surface devices. – SG