Two months after the rollout of the Surface Pro 2, Microsoft has quietly given the tablet an upgrade. Buyers of the device now gets a 1.9GHz Intel Core i5 4300, faster than the original 1.6GHz chip under the hood that hit the shelves in October.
Microsoft released a software update in December but was highly criticized by owners who experienced difficulties installing the firmware. The company said that the software was installing correctly but the system displayed a false error prompt. The tablet manufacturer pulled out the said software and promised to release a new version after the holidays.
The said update also led to the discovery of the upgraded processor of the Surface Pro 2. An owner who swapped his tablet posted his discovery at the Microsoft Community support forums.
"I returned my Surface Pro 2 (v. 256GB) because of the poor performance after the failed 12.10.13 firmware update. I recall the SP2 I returned having a i5 4200U processor. To my surprise, when I checked the System Properties in the Control Panel on my replacement SP2, the processor was upgraded to a i5 4300U @ 1.9Ghz. - 2.5 Ghz," said a certain GuyGlennon.
Microsoft did not comment on its decision to upgrade the firepower of its tablet, but confirmed that it refreshed the Surface Pro 2. Unlike other tablets, Microsoft opted to use an Intel CPU that is good enough for laptops. Previous performance benchmarks revealed that the versions released in October had a performance comparable to a MacBook Air, so it will not be a surprise if closes the gap further with the new Intel processor.
"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," a spokesperson of the company said.
