Surface Pro 3 i5 4GB vs 8GB

So the thing with the Surface Pro 3 is W8.1 Professional. And that means Windows 8 apps. Apps for W8 is the fastest growing line of software in history. Because of this, more and more, better and better, software is being developed.

Aside from the ripoff keyboard, I would say that the Surface Pro 3 is well worth the price. All Surface Pro 3s come with 128GB card slot. And I would say $320 (roughly with tax) extra for double internal storage and double the RAM is pretty much a must for what's to come. There's alot of software that will be problematic due to low memory. Even with 4GB-RAM.

So with taxes and ripoff keyboard:
i5 dual-core 128/4 GB is about $1200
i5 dual-core 258/8 GB is about $1520

I don't know if the i7 is really worth an additional $250 or not for dual-core hyperthread and Iris GPU instead of HD4400. I'd like to know what the real benefit would be.

If you feel the keyboard is a ripoff, don't buy it. You could buy a much less expensive Bluetooth keyboard to use with the SP3. I personally love the Type Cover keyboard on my SP3.

I'm not sure what software you have that has trouble running with 4G RAM. I have the i5, 128GB storage, 4GB RAM SP3 and haven't encountered problems running any software.

Before I got the SP3, I had a Dell Venue 8 Pro running Win 8.1 with 2GB RAM and didn't encounter any software that wouldn't run on it.

There's no choice about the keyboard. There's no alternative for it. It's not a blue tooth keyboard.

If Razer or somebody sold a SP3 keyboard that is identical or better at half the price, then yes, you would be right, then yes you would be right. Don't buy the rip-off one from MS. Until then, there's really no choice without going for a non-type cover item that doesn't really go with the SP3.

There's always choices. You can get a cover for the SP3 that has the ability to insert (or even comes with) a Bluetooth keyboard. I fully realize that the MS keyboard is NOT Bluetooth but that doesn't preclude you from using a Bluetooth keyboard instead.

I'm not saying anything about using a bluetooth keyboard. It's not the same thing as using a keyboard that fits for the product. And even if you do use a bluetooth keyboard that isn't directly connected or fits on the SP3, it doesn't make any difference. A rip of is a rip off. It doesn't mean you're not going to buy it if it's the only real option for the type of interface you want to achieve.

So yes it is a complete and utter rip off. And yes people who aren't trying to use a bluetooth alternative because they want to use an actual fitted type cover keyboard are going to have to buy it because it's the only option until another manufacturer releases a real alternative for a decent price.

As long as it comes in Purple (favorite color of all 8 Granddaughters) it's not a ripoff to me.

My personal opinion is that the i7 isn't worth it unless you plan on doing some extensive stuff like playing intense games. I don't think it would be a good device for that. I bought the i5. Tablet to replace a laptop? Maybe for some people, but not all.

Hi there

I'd go for the 8GB RAM - simply because I can run some Virtual machines on it -- this isn't SO STUPID since with a docking station and external monitor it's just as good as a PC. For the average person though a 4GB RAM one will be fine - but remember it's almost impossible to update RAM after purchase - unlike a laptop or a PC.

For VM's you NEED RAM. I got the i7 version too -- although the i5 is probably perfectly good enough for what most people run.

Expensive piece of kit but a WINNER from MS -- other people will follow with this form factor and it will be cheaper --price of being an early adopter I guess.

I don't regret getting on though and people I've shown it to just love it as well.

Use a different keyboard if you don't want the Ms one -- a blue tooth or wireless cheap one works just fine !!!.

I still have to have a MOUSE though - !!!

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

. I got the i7 version too -- although the i5 is probably perfectly good enough for what most people run.

Click to expand...

I'm thinking of the i7 as I would like the 512GB disk but compared to the i5 with 256GB the €650 extra is pretty steep. I was curious about the heat on the i7 - how do you find it?

I don't know about ya'll, but on the i5, Google chrome makes mine very warm in the top right, and the fan begins blaring.

Hi there
I get a slight bit (no more than a laptop) of fan noise when using an external monitor and running two concurrent VM's - it does get about as warm as a largish mobile phone (Samsung S5) but certainly not Hot and not unbearable when holding or using on a lap while watching Video, Sky Go etc.

Nothing to worry about - I've often had mine running continuously for two or three days at a time - no probs whatsoever.

Cheers
jimbo