While I don't think Engadget is that good anymore, this was still original reporting, and not too far below par for the course for this kind of story. (Compare with the Verge counterpart: http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/22/4865306/nokia-lumia-2520-...)

I'd go with your other theory (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6591687)