I kind of hate that they have released an i7 version, simply because I'm a sucker for getting the top version even if I don't really need it
I've looked up some comparisons between the i5-4300U and the i7-4650U with both the HD4400 and HD5000 respectively. I was also considering getting the i7 because of the HD5000 GPU until I read somewhere (I can't find it now -_-") that even though the HD5000 can handle graphics better (having 40EUs vs 20EUs), the higher demand of the GPU on the CPU causes throttling, which results in lower CPU performance. That's what helped me to decide on the i5 (plus the fact that the i7 is another 400 bucks more ex over here in Singapore). Here are some links depicting other performance stuff though. Maybe it'll help you guys to decide if it's worth the extra cash.
i7 vs i5
Intel Core i5-4300U vs i7-4650U
HD5000 vs HD4000 by AnandTech
1. AnandTech | A Look at Intel HD 5000 GPU Performance Compared to HD 4000
I pre-ordered an i5/256GB with a Purple Type Cover. If I find the article/forum discussing this I'll share the information here. Just can't seem to find it again...
EDIT: It was someone on this forum who read something on reddit. It's in this thread (http://www.surfaceforums.net/forum/microsoft-surface-pro-2/6084-surface-pro-2-gaming.html) and at post #8. Reading it again though, they may have been talking about the i5 with a HD5000 and the CPU having a low performance may not be an issue with the i7 processor. I'm not sure though. What do you guys think? I'm still not so sure it justifies me spending another 400 bucks on the SP3 :/
Thanks for the comparison links. Looked at all the others also. IMO, for my needs, the i7 doesn't have a big clear cut advantage over i5. Even the gpu differences are negligible. I'm leaning more on an i5 version now.
The only thing that gets me is the possible Broadwell bump in a few months. Migjt be smart to wait and see. My pro1 has worked great for me so far. If the bump to next generation broadwell comes, it will likely ne right before Christmas. I just hope I can hold out that long to see.
When I got my pro1, it was only a month later pro2 was announced and released. Plus I was past my return period. I stayed up on tech news and pro2 announcement came out of nowhere so suddenly. So ill be damned if they get me like that again..haha
Pro3 is a sexy machine. Truly amazing how its same thickness as an iPhone 5, yet a full fledged PC. My b-day coming up and I really want a pro3. We will see how long I hold out for. Anxious to see reviews and performance benchmarks once this gets in the masses hands. Plus once Anandtech does a full blown review of it.
Follow up question... has there been any word that Microsoft is giving away 200GB of OneDrive storage (and free Skype year) as they did with the SP2?
Bumping this question. I haven't heard about OneDrive with the SP3 yet. Any thoughts?
Has anyone else pre-ordered the red Type Cover 3? If so, does you status say "BackOrdered" on your account?