Surface 2 Mini (7.5 in screen)

[Pete]

Just seen this on CNet

Microsoft eyeing smaller Surface tablet | Mobile - CNET News

Microsoft unveiled its Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets earlier this week, but speculation continues over a rumored smaller Surface "mini" device that the company refuses to comment on. CNET reports that both NPD DisplaySearch and IHS iSuppli analyst firms believe that Microsoft's smaller Surface tablet will ship with a 7.5-inch display. The Verge understands Microsoft has been testing several screen sizes for future Surface products, including a unique 7.5-inch display.
The software maker currently uses 10.6-inch displays for its Surface RT, Surface Pro, Surface 2, and Surface Pro 2 tablets. A 10.6-inch display is not widely used by PC manufacturers, and neither is the 7.5-inch size. Microsoft updated its developer tools for Windows 8.1 earlier this year to specifically include references to 7.5-inch tablets running at a 1440 x 1080 resolution with a 4:3 aspect ratio. CNET notes that the rumored Surface mini aspect ratio is 4:3, but with a 1400 x 1050 resolution. Given Microsoft's developer tools, it's far more likely – if a Surface mini exists – that it would use a 1440 x 1080 resolution.

There's also a mention of a link between this and the xbox team, may be slated as a SmartGlass companion device?

 

[TeknoBlast]

I'm looking forward to a Surface Mini.

 

[ohgood]

surface PRO 7", with screamin specs, HDMI out, and all the typical hardware things found in android tablets like nfc, bluetooth, compass, GPS, LTE, etc

and an unlocked bootloader, for $400 or less = WIN

lock the bootloader OR >$400, and it's a fail, or at best a niche market device.


the form factor is exactly right, if it's loaded to the gills. i can definitely see people buying this over an ipad, provided it's a wide open windows 7/8 computer, and not watered down hardware or an astronomical price point.



keep in mind they're trying to break into a very solid market of ipads (how many generations ?) of premium hardware, and an android on every corner that currently fills the needs of every different size/shape asked for.

 

[azcruz]

If Microsoft can ditch the Desktop Mode on this one for a change...

But that 4:3 aspect ratio... just hate it.