CNN is the latest broadcaster to deal a commercial blow to the Surface Pro 3, after several commentators used the Surface Pro 3 kickstand to support their own iPad.

This is not the first time Microsoft's partners have failed to provide good coverage of the Surface Pro 3. For months now, commentators for Fox and ESPN have been referring to the tablet as "iPad-like technology" used by coaches.

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Not all CNN commentators got in on the iPad action, Anderson Cooper was spotted using his Surface 3 Pro, but the majority was not using the Microsoft tablet. Tuesday night's coverage of the midterm elections is a prime spot for sponsors.

Microsoft also supplied CNN with a "magic-wall" to use for the election results, something that was utilized by the broadcast team. The push into the media is an attempt by Microsoft to make the Surface name relevant, in a day where everything is labeled an iPad.

Apple has a majority share of the tablet market of around 60 to 80 percent, according to various sources. This year's web usage puts the iPad at a solid 72 percent, lower than last year, due to the growth in the Android tablet market.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 has been a best seller for the company with revenue of $900 million this quarter, almost double that of last year. The $799 tablet/PC offers Windows 8.1 with the tablet form-factor, supposedly the best of both worlds.

The iPad still trumps it in sales quite hard, but Microsoft is committed to making competitive tablets, which are a bit more expensive than the iPad. These are aimed at consumers, creators and business people, with Microsoft creating different keyboards and layouts for any type of profession.

Microsoft has not commented on the error from CNN commentators.

TagsCNN, Surface Pro 3, Windows 8.1 tablets, Ipad