Microsoft launched its Surface RT tablet in late October but have yet to reveal any early sell numbers. Analysts are casting doubts and lowering sell predictions for the two-faced tablet. Some blaming lukewarm receptions and $499 price tag as barriers. Detwiler Fenton brokerage firm, on the other hand, is saying that limited distribution is the primary factor for low tractions.

Currently the Surface tablet is only available for purchase online and at Microsoft’s 31 store locations and 34 kiosks in the U.S. In contrast, Apple has 395 of its own stores in 14 countries and more locations through major retail stores.

There’s been hints that Microsoft could be offering their tablets through major retail stores in early 2013. On a Yahoo! Answer page dated back to October 29, that had now been deleted, someone asked “When is Best Buy going to sell Microsoft Surface?” and got an interesting answer.

By the context of that answer, it could’ve been someone at Microsoft who answered. That page had been deleted and the reply poster was de-named. Luckily, Microsoft’s own Bing cached of that page is still available.

Now, Paul Thurrott of winsupersite.com said on yesterday’s Windows Weekly podcast that according to unnamed source, the Surface tablet is indeed heading to major retailers like Staples and Best Buy before year’s end.

Whatever the case, we will find out soon enough as the year is rapidly approaching an end. If we survive the Mayan Calendar, who knows, Microsoft could surprise and announce it with the availability of the Surface Pro early. Fingers crossed.