When should you buy a Core i5 Surface Pro instead of a Core m3?

Intel has a number of processors aimed at budget PCs, one of which is the Core m3. While it doesn't put out as much power as the U-series CPUs commonly found in modern Ultrabooks, it's still a decent performer.

Forum member htc fan89 started a thread in our forum asking whether or not a Surface Pro with a Core i5 or a Core m3 processor is more suited to their specific needs, which include taking notes, Java coding, and Matlab Simulink.

hey, guys I'm going be using it for taking notes, maybe a bit of matlab simulink and some java coding. so, would m3 processor be enough or should i spend extra and get the i5. I'm also going get the 4gb version if I go with i5. Let me know, I already have macbook pro 2016 for my main device and for heavy stuff got a gaming pc.

htc fan89

htc fan89 explains that they already have a gaming PC for heavier tasks and they also have a MacBook Pro as a daily driver.

Do you have any helpful suggestions for htc fan89? What should they really be looking at in a Surface Pro for the outlined tasks? Drop in to the thread and drop some knowledge!

Join the discussion on the Window Central forum!

Cale Hunt
Senior Editor, Laptop Reviews

Cale Hunt is formerly a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full-time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.