Microsoft has reaffirmed that its Surface for Windows RT tablet will go on sale at the same time as Windows 8. In an SEC filing, spotted by CNET, the software maker confirms an October 26th launch date. "The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices."

Microsoft originally revealed its Surface tablets during a special event in Los Angeles in June. Although the company didn't price the devices at the event, Microsoft did reveal that the Surface for Windows RT variant would launch at the time of Windows 8 general availability. An Intel-based version, Surface for Windows 8 Pro, will ship 90 days after the RT version. Despite pricing rumors, a Surface for Windows RT tablet is expected to be priced competitive with a comparable ARM tablet, with Intel Ultrabook pricing for the Surface for Windows 8 Pro. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has previously described the Surface as "just a design point," and he expects the company to "sell a few million" of its tablets over the next 12 months.