CNN caught using Surface Pro 3 as iPad stand

During CNN’s midterm election coverage a number of viewers noticed that although the anchors were sat behind an array of Microsoft’s Surface tablets, they were actually using iPads.

Thanks to a partnership with CNN, Microsoft supplied the cable station with its Surface Pro 3 tablets, but at some points during the coverage it appears that the tablets were being put to use as stands for propping up Apple iPads.

The Surface Pro 3 hit US shelves in June and made its way to the UK in August. It comes with a 12-inch 3:2 ratio HD display, 4th generation Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor, and a selection of storage options including 64, 128, 256 and 512GB capacities.

Here are a few of the best tweets on the mishap:

Even the good people at CNN who have Microsoft surface tablets in their face hide iPad … – http://t.co/Sz6CpzLrEg pic.twitter.com/7Bam8uyI2G

— Melbourneer (@_Melbourneer_) November 5, 2014

@Microsoft nice Surface Pro 3's lined up on CNN Election center! Too bad we can still see the members using #Apple iPads. #marketingFAIL

— Team Orca (@jesse_isaacson) November 5, 2014

CNN commentators using Microsoft @surface tablets as iPad stand. Facepalm. pic.twitter.com/BPxWTf2zhI

— Adam (@adamUCF) November 5, 2014

CNN panelists all have Microsoft Surface tablets. Just saw one of them pull out an iPad that had been in hiding. #productplacementfail

— Ryan Cooley (@ryancooley) November 5, 2014