Microsoft Surface RT now selling at John Lewis

Microsoft’s divisive initial bid for the hybrid tablet space, the Surface RT, will now be available at UK branches of department store chain John Lewis.

Earlier in the year rumours began circulating that Microsoft would extend product availability outside of its own web stores and we’ve since heard confirmation directly from the company that it would indeed be selling Surface RT tablets in bricks-and-mortar stores.

However, the big M only mentioned the US and Australia, with the UK being curiously absent from its public-facing statements.

Now, however, John Lewis has confirmed that from today (December 14) it will be stocking the Surface RT in its UK superstores.

Speaking to Pocket-lint, John Lewis representatives said: ‘John Lewis is delighted to announce that it will be the first high street retailer in the UK to offer the Microsoft Surface from the 14 December 2012 and with a two-year guarantee included at no extra cost.’

‘Demand for Windows 8 computers has been phenomenal with touch screen models leading the way,’ it added.

The firm will stock both 32GB and 64GB storage models with a black detachable keyboards in-store, priced at £479 and £559 respectively.

A quick glance at the John Lewis web store also shows it’s available online at the same price points, although both models are listed as out of stock already (unless this is simply a case of stock not yet being updated).

The website shows both models with the TypeCover keyboard, which is the better of the two variants in our view – this has proper travel to the keys and although it is supposedly a bit thicker it really isn’t noticeable.

Notably you also appear to be able to upgrade the guarantee to a three year plan for £75, if you’re particularly worried about support services.