14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft today is holding a new press conference in New York that's particularly focused on its tablet efforts, with pundits hinting that the company is very likely to introduce a smaller version of the Surface that could compete against the iPad Mini.
According to a report published today by Computerworld and citing “multiple sources familiar with Microsoft's plans,” this isn't true, and the software giant has no intention to release an 8-inch device today.
Instead, the company will roll out a larger Surface that would be specifically aimed at power and corporate users, which most likely means that the Surface Pro 3 is very likely to see daylight.
Speculation that reached the web in the last couple of weeks indicated that the Surface Pro 3 could come with a 12-inch display and Windows 8.1 Update, which obviously means that the device would be capable of running full Windows applications, just like its predecessor.
Information provided by WPCentral yesterday indicated that Microsoft is planning to introduce five different versions of the Surface Pro 3, with pricing to start at $799 and going all the way up to $1949 for the top-of-the-range model.
Here is the pricing for each of the models that could be launched today:
i3-4GB RAM-64GB - $799 (580 euros) i5-4GB RAM-128GB - $999 (739 euros) i5-8GB RAM-256GB - $1299 (950 euros) i7-8GB RAM-256GB - $1549 (1130 euros) i7-8GB RAM-512GB - $1949 (1425 euros)
As you can see, the Surface Pro 3 could come in different processor versions, with the most expensive model featuring an i7 chip and 8 GB of RAM.
At the same time, it appears that Redmond is also preparing some new touch cover for this model, again available in multiple colors and serving a dual purpose to protect the device and act as a keyboard.
Microsoft is yet to confirm these specs, but the company is projected to break the news on its Surface plans later today as part of a press conference taking place in New York and supposed to host the unveiling of the new devices.
The Surface Mini, which was also expected to debut today, could be Microsoft's first step in the small tablet industry, with some people claiming that the company is planning to position it as a note-taking device that would also be delivered with a digital pen. Surface Mini could come with a price of $250 (180 euros) if it's indeed launched today, sources pointed out.