This means the same form factor, the same heat dissipation and close to the same performance in GPU, as it won't get Intel Iris graphics.
Even at the rated 15W, that is at maximum load. Most of the time, my draws does not come to that level (on occasion, I spiked CPU, but it remains under 50% for working, only approaching 50% for larger brushes, or complex geometry).
I very much still like that computational headroom, and the support to go with it to keep it working.
As well as implementation of the thickness necessary to accommodate vent openings and enough room and clearance for fans IN CASE for needing them for heavy loads for heavy computational tasks on the go.
I rather not have the device only dissipate by spreading the heat throughout the chassis metal - especially for using the Core i5 series processors.
Still GT2 graphics but a 3.5w or 4.5w chip
To get down to this level and keep the same CPU performance as the previous generation, the only way would be scaling down the traces of the transistors and not have any more errant leakage while doing so. It is a balancing problem that has been a factor in process shrinkage since forever - because this would play into reliability issues. (not to mention the incremental testing of such).
Not to mention, part of the power usage comes from moving things into the RAM (iGPU's share or system RAM share otherwise) would use some power load.
But that still does not address cooling options I mentioned. I much rather have an extra insurance and reliability by having fans and use of vents kick in.
The Surface 2 DOES NOT have ventilation, because if it did, it would be just as thick. Do also note, because of the full sized USB port, that these devices would not be any thinner than what they already are (unless you start thinning the chassis material).
Fans and vents, ensure that the device does not suffer from from crashing due to heat, in critical multitasking, heavy crunching situations and not break a sweat.
What you should be asking for, is a Surface Pro-Lite/LX model in between the Surface and Surface Pro. One with a lighter CPU/iGPU combination. Though, I believe Microsoft is leaving the Bay Trail areas to third party manufacturers for implementations.
I also believe their intentions with the Surface devices, was to raise the bar and set another example in Tablet PCs. Thus leaving room in the market for others to throw in their offerings.
For this same reason, this is why Surface RT and Surface 2 exists (from your power standpoint) but also why Microsoft is hesitant to use Bay Trail too, to encourage chip competition (I mean everyone is harping on Microsoft's near monopoly, they are merely addressing that situation and holding to it now - if anyone is to blame for lack of Bay Trail Surface devices, it would be the regulatory markets and lawyers, discouraging continuous sole sourcing - well in my opinion).
If Microsoft wanted to, Surface 2 can easily be a vent less and fan less Bay Trail, and since Windows 8 can still leverage previous RT areas, it is not a loss of transition. But for those very reasons above, it is why they would not do so.
Something that I feel tech sites and articles do not address.
However, in my eyes, it worked far TOO well, raising that bar, because I don't think I can see just an adequate usage, handling, and computing equivalent (Lenovo's Yoga Pros are as close to offering the similar handling and computational areas). I blame Microsoft's magnetic keyboard cover system for that nice enticing straw (and smart move of using the Wacom digitizer).
Of course, in other areas, I believe there are Bay Trail tablets out there with pen capabilities.