I too think the SP4 will have a few changes, but not a major overhaul.
I can see another USB but I don't think it is really necessary. I bought a $29 (or maybe it was $39) CableMatters USB 3, powered 10 port extender and it does everything docking stations can do including providing a charge. I don't want my SP3 to provide that charge since it will just take away from already iffy battery life. If the SP4 comes with a 14nm Broadwell (and an an improved intel GPU) then both computing power and battery life will improve. The only thing I see as a big improvement might be fan (though perhaps if the Broadwell only draws 4.5W then maybe the fan is not even necessary.
If I were Panos Panay and king of the Surface world the only thing I would insist upon is a convenient, secure pen attachment capability.
And, strangely, I am beginning to question my earlier thought that the Type Cover should be sold as part of the SPro package. I find that I don't use the TC, but rather at home and at "work" use a wired MS 4000 when I occasionally type, but mostly the pen. One Note and my pen have become best of buds.
At least Microsoft will gain profit from Surface line, and continue to develop Surface platform. This was 120% increase from previous quarter, now proof that SP3 is the right way compared to SP or and SP2. Microsoft always have good product but bad marketing, still a lot of customer still not understand the wonderful of Surface.$908 millions, assume mid-range i5, price at $1200, so maximum only 750,000 units sold..... not to mention normally will bundle with type cover, it will end up around 600,000 units sold......
Only caveat here, for me at least, is that ultimately I want Windows to succeed. And so although I'm happy about the SP3's success, I'm not against other Windows machines being successful. I don't really think the Surface line will be an industry leader in sales numbers, but rather in technology--and, I don't think it has to be a sales leader as long as it's break-even or mildly profitable.
But, with so much competition coming from mobile, Chromebook, and even OS X, I want many OEMs to be successful in addition to Microsoft to make sure that Windows remains dominant.
One customer asked me today if I'm one of those people who lined up outside the Apple Store here in Perth recently for the iPhone 6.This is very cool news indeed. And it kind of follows my experiences. Anyone I've shown my SP3 to has been really impressed. Not sure how many have gone out to buy one after. When people see it instead of saying "meh" they typically say "wow".
When I was interviewed for my new gig, I brought my SP3 to the interview, I would start 2.5 weeks later, between the time I was interviewed to hire, the CEO, Chairman and the president all recieved SP3's, now both VPs have them and they will be rolling more out to consults and PMs....