John Lewis wins UK Surface race

Retailer will begin stocking Microsoft's tablet device in its stores from this weekend

John Lewis has announced this morning that it is to be the first UK retailer to offer Microsoft's Surface tablet.

The RT model will be available through the high street chain's website from today, and will hit shelves across its nationwide stores this weekend.

John Lewis will offer the 32GB model with black touch keyboard for £479, and the 64GB model, also with the same keyboard, for £559. Both models include a two-year guarantee at no additional cost.

Microsoft announced earlier this week that the tablet would be sold on the high street, but channel sources say there is still no news on whether resellers will ever get their hands on the device.

John Lewis' head of buying for communication technology, Matt Leeser, said the Surface tablet will be an asset to its tablet range.

He said: "Demand for Windows 8 computers has been phenomenal with touch screen models leading the way. We are committed to offering customers the very best tablet range available and believe the innovative Microsoft Surface is a brilliant addition to our assortment."