<p>In response to a query from technology news blog and forum Neowin, Microsoft said that it does not plan to roll out the Surface Pro preloaded with Office 2013. The software will be sold as a separate product for Surface Pro owners, and according to Microsoft's statement to the website "customers will be able to choose the Office that best suits their needs."</p><p>Microsoft's upcoming Surface Pro tablet has been flaunted as a fully functional hybrid deviceit boasts the processing power and full Windows 8 operating system of a PC, but can easily transform into a tablet without its Type cover keyboard. The other flavor of Microsoft's self-branded tablet, Surface for Windows RT, comes with a stripped down version of the application suite known as Office 2013 RT. Since the upcoming Surface Pro comes packed with more power and PC functionality, it's a strange move by Microsoft to exclude its signature Office set from the tablet's native software.</p><p>Unlike the Pro, which comes with Windows 8 Professional right out of the box, Surface for Windows RT runs on ARM-based processors. This means that it can't handle the hefty traditional PC applications compatible with Windows 8 and its predecessors, which is why Microsoft has created the custom Windows RT operating system based on its latest full software launch.</p><p>Microsoft will reportedly offer a bundle option that will include Office 2013 with the Surface Pro when it releases, although this has not been confirmed. The company has also held off on officially announcing a release date for its Surface Pro, but the tablet is expected to hit store shelves at the end of the month. At the end of November Microsoft revealed that the Surface Pro would hit stores in January starting at $899.99, but little else has been unveiled.</p><p><a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/microsoft-surface-pro-release-slated-month-without-office-2013-report-1013704">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://pressblue.com/update-microsoft-surface-pro-will-not-come-pre-loaded-with-office/2868/lydia-calwell">Update Microsoft Surface Pro Will Not Come Pre-Loaded with Office</a> (Press Blue)</p><p><a href="http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/tablet-pcs/1297126/microsoft-surface-pro-will-not-include-office-as-standard">Microsoft Surface Pro will not include Office as standard</a> (Expert Reviews)</p><p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-ces-2013-microsoft-exec-makes-the-case-for-windows-phone-8-20130114,0,1871118.story">CES 2013: Microsoft exec makes the case for Windows Phone 8</a> (Los Angeles Times)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d2ZeHkmIWu02H3M1DdUnTfMPhyJ-M&ned=us">87 additional articles.</a></p>