14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft hasn’t yet confirmed plans for a smaller Surface tablet, but sources close to the matter revealed earlier this year that a new device aimed to compete with the iPad mini and Nexus 7 is likely to arrive by December.
Now CNET is reporting that the Surface Mini could feature a 7.5-inch display with an aspect ratio of 4:3 and a 1400x1050 resolution.
Citing Rhoda Alexander, director, Tablet and Monitor Research at IHS iSuppli, the source also claims that Microsoft’s first product in the small tablet industry could even feature 3G/4G support. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor specifically optimized for longer battery life and enhanced performance is also likely to be included in the Surface Mini.
Panos Panay, the man in charge with everything related to Surface at Microsoft, confirmed a couple of days ago that an LTE Surface SKU is projected to hit the market next year, so the Surface Mini might actually be pushed to early 2014.
Mass production of the Surface Mini is reportedly scheduled to begin in the first months of 2014, which pretty much makes sense given the fact that Microsoft is planning to add 3G connectivity to use its tablets next year.
As far as pricing is concerned, there are no details for the time being, but it appears that Redmond is actually planning to make the Surface Mini its most affordable tablet on the market.
At this point, the 32GB Surface RT comes with a price tag of $449 (€335), so a price tag of about $350 (€260) is very likely.
Some older reports indicated that Microsoft is actually trying to price the Surface Mini aggressively, with some sources familiar with the development process pointing to a $250 (€185) price tag.
Of course, all these reports are yet to be confirmed, so take all details with a grain of salt until more official details are provided.