Here’s More Proof of More Surfaces Scheduled for May 20 Event

Earlier this week, Microsoft seemed to subtly confirm its plans to unveil a pint-sized version of its Surface tablet, the Surface Mini, when it announced an upcoming “small gathering” scheduled for May 20. Since then, we’ve heard reports that we’ll be getting even more Surface models than a Mini—but a new report today seems to double down on those rumors.

A post over on CNET quotes an unnamed “chip industry source,” who explains that Microsoft will most certainly be lifting the curtain on a new model of Surface powered by Intel’s processors:

“There’s definitely a new Intel-based Surface. […] From what I can assess so far I think it’s going to [have] a new power-optimized Haswell variant.”

If the word “Haswell” sounds familiar, there’s a good reason for that: it’s Intel’s less expensive-yet-faster processor that was recently put into Apple’s Macbook Air refresh. When Apple lowered the price of the Macbook to come underneath that of a new Surface Pro 2, it seemed like a deliberate move to undercut Microsoft’s flagship device. But now that Microsoft will be revealing some new Surface tablets with Intel’s Haswell processors, chances are good that the company will find a way to cut the price of the Surface Pro to make Apple’s laptop the more expensive option once again.

What else will these new Surfaces mean? Probably that the Surface Pro 2—or at least older models of it—will come down in price. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a Surface Pro tablet PC, keep your eyes on the prices right after May 20. I’d be very surprised if older models of the Surface didn’t get suddenly very affordable. In addition, whatever new Surface Pro models get announced that day will likely be the best examples of the tablet PC made yet. All in all, it might be a very good time to be a Surface fan.

[Source: CNET]