Aside from the new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, we also expected to see Microsoft announcing the smaller Surface Mini. Alas, that hasn’t happened but that doesn’t mean the Redmond giant won’t make such a device.
According to a ZDNet report, that model has been delayed and will be introduced at some point next year, boasting Windows RT rather than full-blown Windows 8.1. This means it will use an ARM-based chip (or Intel Atom) along with a 7- to 7.5-inch screen.
It is said that Microsoft first wants to complete the “Sprint 2014 GDR” update for the Windows RT and only then launch the Surface Mini. In addition, the report says the company is moving engineers from other departments to the Xbox unit; plus, let’s not forget the acquisition of Nokia, which will undoubtedly further complicate things.
We do want to see the Surface Mini but are still wondering whether Microsoft has what it takes to compete in this saturated market dominated by an onslaught of cheap Android tablets and Apple’s iPad mini. We do like the idea of a more portable Surface but we can’t take Windows RT. Yeah it does come with Microsoft Office (with included Outlook), but is that enough? I don’t think so though I’m willing to try this thing out before making a final judgment. Perhaps we get some cool apps along the way. We’ll see…