Between leaks and filings with the Federal Communications Commission, it seems like Microsoft is planning to release a budget-friendly surface device soon.
Not much has been said about this notional device, that is, until now. WinFuture's sources claim that this low-cost Surface device will be powered by Intel's Pentium Silver N5000 and Pentium Gold Y-series processors instead of Atom variants, meaning they will be a bit faster than the Atom-powered Surface 3.
New Surface Tablet Rumors
In May, reports claimed that Microsoft was going to come out with $400 Surface tablets as a direct response to Apple's $329 iPads that appeal to the education sector. The filings spotted by WinFuture do not reveal much in the way of illustrations or drawings, but the papers confirm that the device will have the driver firmware for a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module, which adds credence to the tablet having an Intel processor.
Interestingly, the filings list no differences to an existing model, which implies that the tablet is a brand new device, not an upgraded Surface model. It also confirms the device's 24 W power supply. The latest Surface Pro boasts 36 W, so the new device in question is likely to be smaller.
An earlier report from Bloomberg claimed that the device would sport a 10-inch screen, which is just about the same as an entry-level iPad but slightly smaller than the Surface Pro's typical 12-inch display. They are also said to have rounded edges — again, just like an iPad — and feature USB Type-C for charging and data transfer.
Will It Work With A Detachable Keyboard And Stylus?
The Surface line's signature accessories are a detachable keyboard and a stylus. It's not clear if Microsoft will implement such peripherals for the device in question, or whether it will make the accessories available as separate purchases. Other rumors say there will be cheaper versions of these accessories specifically made for the new tablet.
The device will likely be marketed as a tablet first instead of a 2-in-1 since it seems to be rivaling the iPad directly. It will have a kickstand and weigh 20 percent less than the Surface Pro. Battery life is hard to determine for now, but expect it to have less juice than the Surface Pro's impressive 13.5-hour battery life. Microsoft is also said to be considering LTE options for the tablet.
