Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Intel Core i7 Version Challenges MacBook Air And Dell XPS 13

Microsoft released the Surface Pro 4 on October 20. Unfortunately, the advanced versions, containing Intel Core i7 processors, were postponed for a month. Those who pre-ordered their Intel i7 Surface Pro 4 units were told to pick them up on October 20, only to arrive and be told it was a mistake.

There are two Surface Pro 4 models arriving at Microsoft Stores on Friday, with both having Intel Core i7 processors: One has 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, while the other has 16GB of RAM with a 256GB SSD. The Intel Core i5 version of the Surface Pro 4, which has been on sale for the past month, is good enough for most mainstream users. However, those who want to use their Surface Pro 4 units to play graphics intensive games and do advanced video editing will definitely want the Intel Core i7 version.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 has received, for the most part, excellent reviews. Techradar has given the device four-and-a-half stars.

“Has Microsoft at last crafted a tablet that can reasonably, without considerable compromise, replace your laptop? Short of going back to the drawing board on the battery, this looks as close as it’s going to get.”

Techradar goes on to praise the larger and crisper screen, the vastly improved Type Cover, and the even better Surface Pen. One of the only things they didn’t like is that the battery life hasn’t significantly improved. PC Advisor is also very impressed with the Surface Pro 4.

“There is a great deal to like and rave about the Surface Pro 4. The design is thinner and lighter for starters. The screen is awesome, there’s plenty of power available, the new Surface Pen is better and the Type Cover is a vast improvement on the last one.”

CNET believes the Surface Pro 4 is still the king of the tablet PC hill.

“After three generations of pitching ‘a tablet that can replace your laptop’ — with mixed success — the formula has finally clicked,” claims reviewer Dan Ackerman.

The review notes that the DNA of the Surface Pro 4 hasn’t changed much from the Surface Pro 3, but that’s not a bad thing. He, like others, finds it disappointing that the Type Cover isn’t included in the package like the improved Surface Pen is.

Even though the Surface Pro 4 has received excellent reviews, things didn’t start off smoothly. Late last month, InfoWorld described problems that were plaguing both the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Book. Some of those problems included screen flickering, touchpad problems, and users getting the blue screen of death far too often. One of the biggest problems for Surface Pro 4 users was a slow Wi-Fi connection, which Windows Central found a solution for.

Fortunately, Microsoft has issued two firmware updates since the release of the Surface Pro 4 last month and, for most users, the major issues have gone away. There are still some driver issues, but they are minimal and require an update from Intel. The proof that these issues aren’t all related to the Surface Pro 4 is the fact that the same driver issues occur on the new and updated Dell XPS 13.

In any case, the Surface Pro 4 has given its main competitor, the MacBook Air, a run for its money. Some people believe that the Surface Pro 4 can even replace the MacBook Pro, although the Microsoft Surface Book is more aimed for that purpose. Do you own a Surface Pro 4? Tell us what you think about it in the comments section.

[Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images]