February 10, 2013 - 14:52 AMT
Microsoft’s 128GB Surface Windows 8 Pro sold out online

Just hours after Microsoft Surface Windows 8 Pro went on sale Saturday, Feb 9, the 128GB version of the tablet sold out online, PCWorld reported.

Shoppers for $1000 tablet at the online outlets of Best Buy and Staples, as well as Microsoft's own web store, began seeing "not available" or "out of stock" notices just hours after midnight Eastern Time when the Windows 8 slate went on sale.

"Checked BestBuy: Surface Pro unavailable online, no stores within 400 miles w/ 128GB model in stock," tweeted technology writer Ed Bott.

As news of the Surface shortages spread, Microsoft issued a statement to the press: “Customer response to the launch of Surface Pro has been amazing. The Microsoft Online Store is currently out of stock of the Surface Pro. Our priority is to ensure that every customer gets their new Surface Pro as soon as possible. We are replenishing our supplies as quickly as possible."