The Microsoft Surface is set to ship 3 million units before the year is out and then a further 9 million next year, according to analysts.
Adam Holt from Morgan Stanley is responsible for these figures, noting in his report that the Surface is "an underappreciated driver for Windows revenue in FY13 and beyond."
Holt cites that the competitive pricing of the Microsoft Surface against the new iPad will encourage consumers to get on board with the Windows 8 tablet, and claims "61% of potential tablet users saw the ability to use Office as among the most important features to consider when purchasing a tablet" – something which comes pre-installed on the Surface.

Proving popular

A day after the Microsoft Surface RT tablet went on pre-order in the US, the cheapest model has already sold out.
The 32GB Microsoft Surface, which comes running a specially modified version of Windows 8 called RT, was listed at $499, and has apparently proved popular among those hungry for a Windows tablet.
You can still pre-order the 32GB variant, but you'll need to shell at an addition $100, as it comes bundled with a Touch Cover, while if you're feeling a bit for flush you can splash the cash of the 64GB model at $699.
Meanwhile in the UK, where you can pick up the 32GB Surface for £399, and Australia (where it starts at AU$559), all versions of the Microsoft Surface are still on course to ship on the October 26 release date.
From Microsoft News and Wired