News reports have it that Microsoft is currently working on a 7.5-inch tablet that will be available for purchase at $399 soon
CNet reported that NPD DisplaySearch has confirmed that Microsoft is currently working on a 7.5-inch tablet that will soon be launched with a price tag of $399. With the new launch, the company hopes to move into the category of companies that manufacture not only smaller tablets but also more economical ones.
"From the supply chain side, we're seeing the panel specifications, the touch module, the mass production schedule being made," Richard Shim, an analyst at NPD DisplaySearch, told CNET Thursday.
Initial reports suggest the tablet will have a 7.50inch panel with a 1,400x1,050 resolution boasting a pixel density of 233 pixels per inch, which is higher than Apple's iPad and Google's Nexus 7 pixel density.
"Mass production is Q1 [first quarter] 2014. Apparently, pretty significant volume. Multiple millions," Shim said. However, he confirmed that the production for this tablet may begin at a lower number and later ramp up depending on the response.
Shim also confirmed that the company is trying to keep the price of this tablet as economical as possible and is also in the process of shifting its panel suppliers for all tablet screen sizes in a bid to keep the price of the tablet affordable.
Earlier last month, there were rumors about Microsoft developing a new line of Surface tablets that would range between 7 to 9 inches and was expected to go into mass production later this year.
