Microsoft's new tablet yet to Surface in NZ

Microsoft New Zealand is uncertain when Kiwis will be able to buy the company's new Surface tablet computer.

As the software maker begins taking pre-orders for the product, the New Zealand equivalent remained tight-lipped on when the device will be rolled out in the country.

Surface will be available from October 26 from Microsoft stores across the U.S. and Canada, selling online in eight other markets - Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, UK and the U.S.

Microsoft will build between 3-5 million Surface tablets during the fourth quarter the company revealed last week.

The software giant is planning to begin a “large volume production” of its first tablet product according to component supplier sources in Asia, despite a lack of activity across New Zealand.

CEO Steve Ballmer wants the product to directly challenge Apple's iPad design, but already industry experts believe the company is charging too much for the product, U.S.$499 for an entry level product without cover.

"Surface's high pricing could prove to be a fatal mistake and relegate it to be a niche No. 4 or No. 5 player," says Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu to Business Insider.

"We believe Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD will likely see considerably higher volume given their low $199 price points and stronger ecosystems with iPad retaining its commanding No. 1 position."

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