Microsoft has been working on a new tablet device for some time; however, according to some experts, the Surface RT device was not something that the company was originally going to release to shops. Instead, it was supposed to remain as an online order. One commentator believes, however, that the new gadget will be in the shops within days.

Why the change of heart? Seemingly the gadget was not selling as well as Microsoft hoped it would. As such, as with all businesses, the software manufacturer had to look at other retail avenues. Shops are obviously the most logical.

What is the Microsoft Surface RT? It is one of two devices in the Surface series that Microsoft announced six months ago. One runs Windows 8 while the other runs a special version of its operating system called RT. The difference in the two gadgets is the CPU; in the RT this is an ARM, whereas in the Windows 8 version it is an Intel CPU.

When the product was released, it received mixed reviews. One expert is reported to have said: “This is one of the most exciting pieces of hardware I’ve ever used. It is extremely well designed; meticulous even.” Another, however, described it as inferior to the iPad. The iPad is considered to be Microsoft’s main competitor for the Surface RT.

The reporter who released the news said that he believes only countries outside the US will benefit. He does not state which countries.

Everyone will just have to wait and see where this goes.

LG Electronics, the manufacturer of the Nexus 4, has announced that demand for the phone has been so high that it has caused a shortage in availability.

It seems that the handset’s popularity caught the electronics firm on the hop, forcing the head of LG in the UK to respond. Andy Coughlin said: “We are working closely with Google to ensure that those who wish to purchase a handset are able to do so.”

The LG Nexus 4 is one of a range of Google Nexus phones commissioned by the search engine company; however it seems that the LG version has taken most of the sales of the Android smartphone.

It costs £239, which some experts thought would be a hard sell given the current economic climate; however, the phone was given a fantastic review when it was launched, which may be the reason behind its popularity.

Mr. Coughlin added: “As with any sales process, LG supplies product quantities against partners’/customers’ forecasts. Demand via the Play Store has been very high in this instance.”

Although on the surface this shortage could be a seen as great news, in reality -with the run up to Christmas – it could end up being a poisoned chalice.

In other news, if you are thinking of getting a tablet and want it on 4G then EE is offering the iPad Mini at £25.99 per month. While this is good news for some, many experts believe that the cost is high. It may be better to buy the device outright and look for a deal afterwards.

With the run up to Christmas approaching its end, it appears that Samsung’s Galaxy S3 is the most popular buy.

In one way this is not really much of a surprise, considering that since its launch it has been dominating the UK smartphone market. It was also the Olympics official handset. Why is the smartphone so popular?

Seemingly it really does give Apple’s iPhone a run for its money, matching the latter’s features but costing a lot less. It also possesses a number of unique specifications which consumers have found appealing.

Apple does have something to celebrate, however. The iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 are in second and third places respectively.

Some experts are rather surprised at the order of popularity, given that the iPhone 5 was launched only a few months ago; however, it seems the reason is that the contract cost to get your hands on the iPhone 5 is £47 per month, compared to the 4S contract cost of £42.

The difference may be small, but customers are now more discerning. The iPhone 5 essentially offers nothing new, so consumers are remaining loyal to the 4S version.

A telecoms expert at uSwitch.com, Ernest Doku, said: “The affordable price point has kept the Samsung Galaxy S3 at the top of the tree, but whether it will be at the top of the Christmas tree remains to be seen, as price drops for both the 4S and 5 have seen the iPhone quickly gaining ground”.

The LG Nexus and HTC One X are in fourth and fifth places.