Since Microsoft killed off the Surface 2 back in January, a noticeable lack of any non-“Pro” branded Surface has been present in the company’s portfolio. The Surface Pro 3 is unanimously well reviewed and packs truly impressive specifications but at eye-watering prices so it makes sense for Microsoft to release a lower-end device to appeal more to the masses.
The Surface Pro 3 was expected to be launched alongside an iPad Mini-rivalling “Surface Mini” but which was never launched, exasperating Microsoft’s issue. It is now generally thought that the Surface Mini was dropped just days before the unveiling of its bigger brother.
The new Surface, reportedly a “successor to the Surface 2”, is reported to finally fill the gap in the range and give those who want a respectable Microsoft tablet without paying too much what they have been asking for.
It is said to have an Intel Atom or Core M processor that should allow adequate power for most tasks while making a long battery life possible. The processor can also be kept cool easily so the new Surface will be able to use a fanless design.
Crucially, the new Surface will be running a full version of WIndows, unlike the Surface Pro 2 that it replaces. What limited the Surface Pro 2 and other Windows RT devices was their inability to run any Windows desktop programs.
Confusing Microsoft marketing left consumers unsure what they could and couldn’t run and ultimately the whole platform flopped. Microsoft has now abandoned it, annoying users for one last time by announcing that no update to Windows 10 will be possible.
This issue will never materialise again though as the full Windows install on the new Surface will make it possible to run any program built for Windows. The device is expected to be unveiled soon at Microsoft Build 2015 in April and will run Windows 8.1 at launch, upgradeable to Windows 10 later in the summer.
