Is Microsoft getting ready to unbox its long-rumored Surface Mini in the next couple of weeks? It sure looks like it, as the company sent invitations to members of the press to a Surface related event in the Big Apple.
The invitation which was fired off to media outlets covering technology news, implores the press to "join us for a small gathering" on the morning of May 20 in New York City. Nothing about a Surface Mini was mentioned, but a number of journalists have taken this as a call for the official launch of Microsoft's first mini tablet.
"We really don't know much else aside from that, but we're guessing a new tablet - possibly a Surface Mini? - could be unveiled," writes Nicole Lee of Engadget.
Tim Stevens of CNET says, "We don't have any further details now, but if you enjoy cheeky attempts at wordplay, this could be a strong indication that a Surface device in the popular 7-to-8-inch form factor could be finally making an appearance."
The last time the company took to New York to launch its latest Surface tablets was September last year, when Microsoft unveiled Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2.
The gossip mill has long been teeming with rumors that Microsoft is planning to release a mini version of its tablet Surface, given how both Apple and Samsung have seen much success with their own offerings for a lucrative market that prefers an even more portable device.
The latest earful we've gathered, among a bunch of others, is an Amazon listing for a Smart Cover case made exclusively for the Microsoft Surface Mini. The listing, which was posted by electronic goods retailer Vostrostone, previously had an In Stock date of May 18, just a couple of days ahead of the anticipated Surface Mini launch. However, the retailer has moved the date of availability to May 28.
A separate listing also exists for a Bluetooth keyboard portfolio case also for the Surface Mini and listed by Vostrostone.
The listings seem to confirm earlier rumors that the Surface Mini will have a 7.5-inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 1080. Other rumored specs include a Qualcomm ARM processor, which means the tablet could run on Windows RT instead of the full version of Windows 8.1. This could prove to be a boon for Microsoft, though, since Windows users will most likely prefer having all the software they need on Windows 8 than wait for an ARM port.
The full details we will know as all speculations on an upcoming Surface Mini will be confirmed (or disproved) when Microsoft, hopefully, unveils the tablet on May 20.
