Microsoft is touting its newest tablet as a laptop killer, or maybe in better terms, a laptop replacement. The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft’s newest attempt to not only take market share away from Apple and the entire iPad line, but also an attempt to deter those on the fence, from purchasing a laptop. When the Surface Pro 3 was unveiled, it was assumed that a smaller, miniature, version would be released. It seems that may very well be the case.
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First reported by Paul Thurott on TheVerge, it seems that Microsoft already has plans in place. In images of the user manual for the Surface Pro 3 on Microsoft’s website, there are multiple instances when a “Surface Mini” is referenced.
The Surface Mini is referenced in four different places and one of the mentions even goes as far to suggest the Surface Mini will come with a digital pen, just like the larger Surface Pro 3. “You’ll pair your new pen with Surface Mini a little later during setup.”
“You’ll pair your new pen with Surface Mini a little later during setup.”
The plan initial was to release the Surface Mini alongside the larger Surface Pro 3, and that was green lighted by former CEO Steve Ballmer. Bloomberg reported however that CEO Satya Nadella and Executive Vice President of Devices Stephen Elop decided to scrap the release.
At this point, there is no date for the release of the Surface Mini, and it could stand to reason that Microsoft simply didn’t remember to take out the verbiage from the user manual. That said, with the success of the iPad Mini and Nexus tablets, it would only make sense for Microsoft to work towards competing against both products.