Tablets powered by Windows 8.1 Pro may be a step behind other solutions when it comes to firmware and driver issues, but boy, adding and subtracting hardware elements in these devices is certified snap.
We can thank the x64 architecture for this — and the myriad of choices this architecture offers.
Take the Surface Pro 2 for instance. It just got a brilliant new processor upgrade. According to a new report, Microsoft has quietly upgraded the CPU in its flagship tablet and is now shipping tablets that are powered by 1.9GHz Intel Core i5 processors instead of the 1.6GHz that were available earlier.
Nothing drastic, but a nice speed bump nevertheless.
A Redmond spokesperson confirmed this change to The Verge, without shedding more light or offering specifics behind this speed bump. But if an upgrade is feasible, why not? Here is the quote:
“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.”
Keener eyes among you may notice that these two processors are actually quite similar, save for the clock rate increase. In fact, it is the only major noticeable difference between the 4200U and 4300U.
Still, it should provide better performance during intensive tasks, a welcome addition.
The report claims that this hardware upgrade has been in effect since December. Having said that there is no word yet on whether the Surface 2 (RT model) will get similar specification improvements down the line or not. Probably not, but you never know!
