Surface Pro 2 with new i5-4300U

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A5X

97 posts

Master Geek

#138598 10-Jan-2014 09:14

I am looking to buy the Surface Pro 2 for a few weeks now, but haven't have enough cash until now, which works out good, the Surface Pro 2 has been updated with faster and better featured i5-4300U. Microsoft have done this on the silent, so are not advertising the upgrade, therefore will be a luck dip when buying the device.

The main reason why I am posting, and for others that are looking for the upgraded processor model. Where do I or anyone else find this model? Not sure if there is anyway for it to be identified just from the packaging, as the specs are not listed in detail?

I see pricespy have many 128GB models listed, I would assume this maybe newer stock as they sold out right? Although there is only one 256GB models listed, guessing this must be the older i5-4200U model?

If anyone knows who has a source of the newer Surface Pro 2 with newer upgraded i5-4300U model. Please post when and where you got it from?

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450 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#964293 10-Jan-2014 09:19

This interests me too as I'm looking to buy a 256GB model but there doesn't seem to be stock anywhere at the moment.

TwoSeven

1627 posts

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Subscriber

#964302 10-Jan-2014 09:28

I would suspect that the SKU may have changed (usually the last digit or so), if not there will be a revision number or model number somewhere. If you can get someone to tell you what the new code is, you can check with the suppliers that their stock has this model.

Typically what I would do is call the upstream suppliers (the ones that deal with MS) and ask. However, I suspect they might not be keen on getting calls from the public, so you may need to find a friendly supplier.

At a guess I would probably think around the time when the dock finally turns up.

Out of interest, my surface pro has a code under the stand - I am wondering if this is a model number of specific unit number (serial number).

The only other way I know of (that is easy) is to just view the system properties in windows as the CPU model number is displayed there.

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heavenlywild

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#964353 10-Jan-2014 10:36

It seems like the marketing has really fallen off for the Pros in NZ. It started off with a hiss and a roar but now it's hard to find anyone with stock of the 256GB version.

A5X

97 posts

Master Geek

#964356 10-Jan-2014 10:49

Main problem is to check the version of the CPU with such as CPUz, is the actually purchase the product, unbox and run it. At that stage taking it back becomes difficult.

I see there is a supply delay on the 256GB model. Harvey Normans stating waiting till February before they have stock. Noel Lemming, don't even have a listing/price on their page for many weeks now.
Guessing when stock arrives, if its going to take this long for the units to arrive, it will have the i5-4300U, unless NZ receives a shipment of older stock first.

I am looking to buy the 256GB model, which is a massive outlay close to 2K, definitely want the better processor.

Usually with processor bumps what we generally see, is 6 months into the cycle, a small refresh across the board come out from Intel, usually a new model number with about just a 100MHz bump in clock speed and nothing else new.

This time around, it actually a better processor from the get go. Even more impressive, is the clock difference in base is 300MHz higher, which is huge for a ULV which going from a 1.6GHz to 1.8GHz, not to mention the iGPU has an extra 100MHz for its turbo speed. Then there is the full feature set to go without too, which make it look really good in this department when compared to the i7-4500U that does not have extras feature enabled, even though that processor is not an option.

Batman

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#964483 10-Jan-2014 13:13

wow makes my asus transformer quad core bay trail look like a kid's toy :D

enjoy!

nathan

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#964495 10-Jan-2014 13:23

Microsoft routinely makes small changes to internal components over the lifetime of a product, based on numerous factors including supply chain partnerships, availability, and value for our customers.

With any change to hardware or software, we work to ensure that the product experience remains excellent.

For any customers experiencing difficulties or concerns, please visit www.surface.com/support to chat with an Answer Tech.

nathan

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#964497 10-Jan-2014 13:29

MackinNZ: This interests me too as I'm looking to buy a 256GB model but there doesn't seem to be stock anywhere at the moment.

there are some stock constraints at the moment due to some supply chain and logistics challenges around some of the parts

but it is being sorted and we will also be opening up the commercial channels of this

right now in NZ at retail you can get from JB, Noel Leeming and Harvey Normans
and in the Commercial side from Cyclone, New Era and Telco Technology Services

we will be adding another reseller very soon

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nathan

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#964499 10-Jan-2014 13:31

A5X: Main problem is to check the version of the CPU with such as CPUz, is the actually purchase the product, unbox and run it. At that stage taking it back becomes difficult.

I see there is a supply delay on the 256GB model. Harvey Normans stating waiting till February before they have stock. Noel Lemming, don't even have a listing/price on their page for many weeks now.
Guessing when stock arrives, if its going to take this long for the units to arrive, it will have the i5-4300U, unless NZ receives a shipment of older stock first.

I am looking to buy the 256GB model, which is a massive outlay close to 2K, definitely want the better processor.

Usually with processor bumps what we generally see, is 6 months into the cycle, a small refresh across the board come out from Intel, usually a new model number with about just a 100MHz bump in clock speed and nothing else new.

This time around, it actually a better processor from the get go. Even more impressive, is the clock difference in base is 300MHz higher, which is huge for a ULV which going from a 1.6GHz to 1.8GHz, not to mention the iGPU has an extra 100MHz for its turbo speed. Then there is the full feature set to go without too, which make it look really good in this department when compared to the i7-4500U that does not have extras feature enabled, even though that processor is not an option.

the additional CPU features are not supported on Surface Pro 2

the updated processor is just an incremental update, there is very very very little difference in real-world performance

CPU is not the bottleneck on a modern i5 Tablet like Surface Pro 2

yes I know where as techos always want the latest and greatest, but there is always something newer and better just around the corner yes

A5X

97 posts

Master Geek

#964578 10-Jan-2014 14:47

I am only buying it with the i5-4300U, and refuse to purchase the i5-4200U version. I value any refinements and changes made to a product, before I actually pay for it.

nathan

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#964642 10-Jan-2014 15:31

there's always a newer one with a newer CPU just right around the corner

A5X

97 posts

Master Geek

#964792 10-Jan-2014 17:24

Good thing right around the corner in the last few days, hence why there is no better time than right now for a i5-4300U.
I go out and get it today IF it was available, the i5-4200U one was the last corner back a bit ago and past that now. Pity that I am willing to part with 1.9K but can't get what I want as a consumer.
Given that if the 256GB model availability is February 2014 (according to Harvey Normans), the 2nd gen will be 25% through its product cycle already.
The really big corner will be 3rd gen October 2014 (going on the 1st release and then 2nd time frames).
Either or, there very little stock around or anything, pretty bad considering its release date was some time ago now.

A5X

97 posts

Master Geek

#964794 10-Jan-2014 17:34

Just called Noel Lemmings, they said they removed the models and pricing from their website due to issues with stock from Microsoft not being able to be brought into the country. They said they have a date for new stock being the 20th of February.
That looks like the same date as Harvey Normans. I would guess by that time it would have the i5-4300U. Also by that time, will there will be 8 months until October 2014. And likely lost interest in waiting. That's a poor effort by Microsoft.

nathan

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#964825 10-Jan-2014 18:01

would they not let you place an order and put it on backorder?

A5X

97 posts

Master Geek

#964896 10-Jan-2014 20:14

No they are not taking orders, said to wait till the February 20th. I called Harvey Normans shortly after Noels, and person on the phone said they had a meet about various things, said they are expecting MS Surface Pro 2 in the 3rd and 4th weeks of February, so pretty spot on there. Basically no 256GB model until then. Which is ages away when I am ready today.

I tried to consider a 128GB with 4GB model (just for now) from local store that I could of purchased today, but this is not what I want. Especially at 1.5K, really want to make sure if out laying that much, its going to last he distance, and should invest more into the 256GB model which is going to have a nice chunk of usable space 212GB vs. 72GB I believe it is from what I read.

Another thing to take into account, is with the 256GB model it has 8GB RAM, and not only that a 256GB mSATA SSD will perform faster than a 128GB mSATA SSD, as they all SSD tend to do when the capacity increases, the Channels/Interleaving increases and becomes faster.

One can only imagine that if you buy from the end of February shipment, hopefully definitive i5-4300U model.

Just borrowing from work for the weekend an HP Elitebook 840 to see how the i5-4300U performs, so far this little processor is pretty sweet.

MackinNZ

450 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#964899 10-Jan-2014 20:18

I have a customer who wants to purchase NOW. He won't be willing to wait 'till the end of Feb. I'll have to look for some other kind of tablet.

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