Speculation that Microsoft was planning – and then dropped – a smaller screen tablet in its Surface line appears to have been confirmed, after a user manual was found on Microsoft’s website that made numerous references to such a device.

It was believed that the computing giant was planning a small-screen device which would have debuted alongside Surface 3 (pictured) earlier this year. But this did not happen, leading to suggestions that it was pulled shortly before the event because of concerns about consumer demand for Windows RT-powered products, a lack of differentiating features, and the need for a touch-based version of Office to boost its appeal.

While the references in the user guide are likely to belong to the device that was shelved, Neowin previously suggested that a Surface Mini may see the light of day, once the differentiation issues (aided by the availability of a touch-optimised Office suite) have been resolved. But this is not likely to happen in the immediate future, particularly due to continued questions about the long term viability of Windows RT.

The axed Surface Mini device was likely to have a screen size in the 7-inch to 8-inch range, and (like its larger brother) focus on productivity, with support for the stylus peripheral included with Surface 3.

Pricing would be a key consideration. The current Surface 3 is pricey compared with tablet rivals, with Microsoft instead comparing it to a Macbook Air in its presentations – although it is far from clear that these devices are likely to be seen as competitors in the eyes of potential buyers.

But for a smaller screen device, such comparisons will not be possible, meaning it will need to go up against Apple’s more established iPad Mini line and Samsung’s Note-branded products. Here, the lack of an established app ecosystem for Microsoft’s Windows RT-powered tablets becomes a major sticking point.