With the support it will bring Windows 10 to ARM processors, it is difficult not to think that Microsoft is betting on a Snapdragon 835 for its Surface 4 this year. The Surface 3, a device that went a bit unnoticed but is absolutely necessary for us, did not set a clear continuity. Still, Redmond's advances toward an integrated platform open up the possibility of line continuity.
Both Surface 2 and RT in their day they bet on ARM processors, which prevented them from running desktop applications and confused the user regarding the possibilities of a computer that was not especially cheap. In the third generation, already with Satya Nadella at the controls of the firm, a configuration was sought that would give access to the classic Windows desktop and for this a Intel Atom X7, not especially powerful if we compare it with an m3 or, above all, Intel Core i5 / i7, but in general, solvent, and very suitable for daily work.
However, the teams that have wanted to continue betting on ARM architecture in tablets, have had to resort to 10 Windows Mobile, as in the case of the Cube WP10.
Qualcomm or Intel? That is the question
Now that we know that the processor Snapdragon 835 will be able to run desktop programs and that Qualcomm is working "hand in hand" with those of Redmond to deploy a version of the system in which the emulation of the architecture x86 is perfect, the question arises as to whether the Surface 4 it is lingering waiting to be able to opt for an ARM processor.
Intel has performed well in the Surface 3, but the demand for the team has been quite poor. Still, as we pointed out yesterday, it may only be a matter of time before the market for these teams begins to grow. Today the Chinese tablets with similar processors it is getting a lot of public. The problem is that, again, the confusion and the comparison with the Pro model, left the team in a bad place. The starting price, $500, it was also an impediment.
Surface 4: price is going to be key
Following the argument of our opinion piece yesterday, we believe that Windows 10 needs mid-range tablets, which move between the 400 and 300 euros, and that they come from the hand of prestigious manufacturers. A Surface 4 (perhaps with another name), for 350 euros, and with an Intel processor, would be a product with great potential in the market. In this regard, a Snapdragon 835 is going to raise prices, without a doubt, and what it is going to achieve is no better than what an Intel can do, neither in performance nor in consumption.
We will see which path Microsoft takes and if the desire to find a Universal Windows 10 it does not conflict with the need to increase the market share of the platform.