Microsoft Surface RT could hit shop shelves after all

Microsoft may be planning to introduce the Surface RT hybrid tablet to retail stores after all, a report claims.

According to Paul Thurrott, a blogger for WindowsITPro, the Surface RT will be in shops ‘within days.’

Thurrott doesn’t cite any sources but claims that the Surface RT having a broader distribution than just Microsoft’s online webstores was ‘always going to happen in very early 2013’, alleging that the company has brought its plans forward.

Responding to questions in the comment section, Thurrott also reveals that the Surface RT arriving in retail shops is only occuring outside the US, but he didn't point to any specific regions.

This wouldn’t be the first time Microsoft has apparently switched tactics, a previous report suggested that due to poor sales of the Surface RT it would bring forward its release of the Surface Pro with Windows 8.

However, contrary to that particular story, which as with other reports suggests the Surface RT isn’t selling well, Thurrott, again not naming precise sources, says that this assertion is ‘incorrect’ adding that he’s ‘heard they’re actually selling very well given the ‘modest’ distribution.’

He further adds to this saying ‘Surface sales represent one of the few bright spots in what is becoming an increasingly dire late-2012 launch season.’

So, whether Microsoft is acting on poor Surface RT sales or good ones, it’s still apparently changing things around with both the Surface RT release to shops and the general launch of the Surface Pro being brought forward into 2012.

We'll keep you posted with more news on this subject as we hear it.