14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is expected to unveil the new Surface Mini tablet as part of a press event in New York on May 20, but only little is known right now about the device scheduled to compete against the iPad mini and the Nexus 7.
According to Microsoft watcher Paul Thurrott, the Surface Mini is very likely to come with an 8-inch display, but also with what he calls a “high-quality stylus” to easily take notes on the device. Microsoft could market the Surface Mini as a note-taking device, so a stylus is a must-have.
What's more interesting is that the Surface Mini could also come with a cover with a multi-position kickstand that would basically allow consumers to use it in both landscape and portrait orientations. This could be an indication that a kickstand won't be available on the Surface Mini, most likely in an attempt to keep the price as low as possible and thus make the device more affordable.
The Surface Mini is also expected to come with a Qualcomm processor specifically optimized for longer battery life and enhanced performance.
The device could run Windows RT 8.1 Update and obviously use an ARM architecture, sources revealed, with sales projected to begin in late June. Prices could start at $250 (180 euros), according to some rumors.