The Microsoft Surface tablet has had many admirers since its launch, not least Pocket-lint which awarded the device four-and-a-half stars in our review last month. However, one issue has been getting hold of one. It's not sold in particularly substantial numbers, because it's not been available in particularly substantial numbers.

That's about to change, with Microsoft announcing that it will be ramping up production of the Windows RT tablet and expanding the amount of retail stores that will carry it. In addition, pop-up Microsoft holiday stores have been so successful that there are plans to extend their lifespan. In some cases, that will translate into permanent sites.

"The public reaction to Surface has been exciting to see," said Panos Panay, general manager, Microsoft Surface. "We’ve increased production and are expanding the ways in which customers can interact with, experience and purchase Surface."

The benefits of the expanded retail presence will hit the US and Australia first, with new outlets getting Surface stock in mid-December. Other countries, including the UK, will be expanded in "the coming months".

While we wait for more retailers to stock the tablet over here, it is still available from Microsoft's own online store, with prices starting at £399 for a 32GB version.