A smaller version of Microsoft’s Surface tablet has been rumoured since last year, but an Amazon-affiliated site seems to be offering some additional evidence as to its existence.
Electronics retailer Vostrostone has posted photos of a Smart Cover Case that’s “specifically designed…for [the] Microsoft Surface Mini tablet.”
The retailer adds: “Well built to protect your Microsoft Surface Mini tablet for…years to come.”
The problem, however, is that Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed its Surface Mini tablet.
Back in February, the supply chain of component and device manufacturers in Asia began debating a device that ranges in size between 7.5 and 8.5 inches.
Additionally, last year both IHS Technology and NPD DisplaySearch indicated that they saw a Microsoft tablet of that size being prepped at manufacturers.
Thus far, other sources such as ZDNet have reported that the Surface Mini will come with a stylus.
Another thing we know is that Microsoft has made Windows 8.1 better suited for small devices: with both technology and pricing tweaks. Along those lines, Windows 8 can run faster on devices with less memory and processing power than laptops and high-end tablets and the operating system will be free on phones and tablets with screen sizes of nine inches and under.
One of the burning questions is whether the Mini will run the full version of Windows 8.1 on an Intel processor (e.g. Atom) or Windows RT on ARM processors from the likes of Qualcomm or Nvidia.
That’s an important question because Windows RT does not support older “legacy” Windows software – though ARM devices are more likely to support built-in 3G/4G.
Microsoft remains silent on the release.
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