Although any official announcement or confirmation of rumors has yet to be released, tech giant Microsoft seems to be hinting at the introduction of its latest product in the tablet category. Rumors of the Surface Mini have been floating around for over a year now. Meanwhile, the sales of existing Windows powered tablets have so far been below expectations. Smaller screen size options such as a 7- or 8-inch counterpart is likely to augment the sales of Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 by making the lineup more competitive with devices like iPad mini and Google Nexus.

Speculations of the awaited release dates back to late 2012 and were based on an Amazon-affiliated retailer announcing the sale of smart covers particularly made for the Microsoft Surface Mini tablet. The rumored tablet would be smaller than the existing 10.6-inch Surface currently sold in the market, as suggested by the smart cover's size.

Tech enthusiasts can only guess what features this new tablet would offer. Based again on the accessories sold online, it is suggested that the detachable Bluetooth keyboard option would make it appear similar to its main competitor, the affordable ultraportable laptop-tablet ASUS Transformer Book T100.

Previous reports on the Surface Mini claimed that it would use Qualcomm ARM processor and, like its predecessors, run on Windows RT 8.1. Desktop apps, however, would not be supported. On the other hand, ASUS Transformer Book T100 is considered to be the most affordable way to experience a Windows 8.1 and office on a portable machine, keeping in mind that hardcore gaming is off the list. Perhaps the Surface Mini will give the same features but with lighter and more compact options? With Microsoft making Windows 8.1 more suited for smaller devices, it is highly probable that productivity on its own tablet would make it a more appealing choice.