The two significant differences between the i5 and i7 8 gb versions are the processor and the graphics, the former includes the HD4400 where the latter comes with the HD5000.
There is no doubt that the i7 should outperform the i5 but by how much and at what cost. Will there be a sufficient performance increase to offset the potential battery loss, higher heat and added cost. From the limited information available to date it appears that the upgrade is not worth it.
Battery loss has been reported to be a non-issue, although real-world testing may prove otherwise. See http://www.wpcentral.com/surface-pro-3-core-i3-i5-and-i7-will-all-have-equivalent-battery-life .
Heat may well be an issue based on a report from Japan. See http://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/2ay1q4/just_got_a_i7_256gb_sp3_since_it_doesnt_come_out/
The performance increase has been reported to be marginal, 15% at best, for both the processor and the graphics. See http://www.microsofttranslator.com/...://gadget2ch.blog.jp/archives/1006119538.html for CPU and http://www.anandtech.com/show/7072/intel-hd-5000-vs-hd-4000-vs-hd-4400 for graphics.
I almost pre-ordered the i7/512 but didn't because at this time they don't offer the extended warranty with accidental damage protection. Based on what I've read I'm glad I didn't.
There is no doubt that the i7 should outperform the i5 but by how much and at what cost. Will there be a sufficient performance increase to offset the potential battery loss, higher heat and added cost. From the limited information available to date it appears that the upgrade is not worth it.
Battery loss has been reported to be a non-issue, although real-world testing may prove otherwise. See http://www.wpcentral.com/surface-pro-3-core-i3-i5-and-i7-will-all-have-equivalent-battery-life .
Heat may well be an issue based on a report from Japan. See http://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/2ay1q4/just_got_a_i7_256gb_sp3_since_it_doesnt_come_out/
The performance increase has been reported to be marginal, 15% at best, for both the processor and the graphics. See http://www.microsofttranslator.com/...://gadget2ch.blog.jp/archives/1006119538.html for CPU and http://www.anandtech.com/show/7072/intel-hd-5000-vs-hd-4000-vs-hd-4400 for graphics.
I almost pre-ordered the i7/512 but didn't because at this time they don't offer the extended warranty with accidental damage protection. Based on what I've read I'm glad I didn't.
