Microsoft delays then reconfirms 26 October shipping date for Surface in UK

There was some email confusion from Microsoft over the shipping date for its much anticipated Surface tablet over the weekend.

With the RT version of the device due to be launched on Friday 26 October, UK residents who had pre-ordered got an email stating, "The release date for the preorder product has changed. The product listed below will now be available on 02 November 2012".

Of course, that's not massive surprise given the expected demand for the tablet, which is the signature device for Microsoft's new UI approach for Windows 8.

This follows on from similar demand issues in the US, as analysts suggest Microsoft could sell 5 million units by the end of 2012.

But then, one day later, another email was sent out.

"Due to an internal processing issue, we mistakenly sent you an email indicating the shipment date for your order had changed. That email was incorrect. Your expected shipping date has not changed."

Even better news, although it's not the sort of confusion you'd expect when ordering iPads or Nexuses from companies like Apple or Google.

Perhaps it just demonstrates the learning experience Microsoft is going through as it launches its first piece of hardware through its own online stores.

The Microsoft UK website currently lists the entry-level 32 GB without Black Touch Cover Surface (£399) as being "Temporarily sold out".