Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 has been making rounds in the technology headlines lately, and it has been compared to the best notebook and tablet devices out there. But what not everyone knows is, there was a mini-version that existed before. It was called the Surface Mini Pro.

According to The Epoch Times, the Surface Mini Pro used to exist, but it was removed from the Microsoft product line because of the Surface Pro 3. The proof of existence of the Surface Mini comes from Neowin's Brad Sams, who actually had the chance to try the prototype.

Sams revealed the specs of the Surface Mini Pro in his article. He said that it came in different colors and called them "Type Covers." He also added that the package included a built-in kickstand. On the stand, there is a loop at the end that holds the pen. This is similar to the Surface Pro 3.

He said that the front case cover can be detached, but for Surface Mini, it is not a keyboard cover because the device is too small to handle a QWERTY keyboard. Rather, this cover is used to protect the front glass of the device. Sams also went on to say that "the entire cover makes the tablet feel like a portfolio."

More notable about the Surface Mini Pro is Sams' description of it as a "pen and paper killer." Sams said that it has the perfect size to carry around with you, but the bezel is quite large for the size of the tablet. As for the form factor, the Surface Mini Pro was really a smaller version of the Surface Pro 3.

Moreover, Sams said that he replaced the old pen and paper during interviews. But he can't buy the device now because it's no longer up for sale. He has even given Microsoft an offer, saying, "If the company doesn't want to put one in the landfill, I'd happily put it to good use."