Wendell, some of the things you said could be fixed via software updates, any new developments?
Many issues have been fixed. However, the WiFi is still super duper weird. They are updating the driver often, but it gets weird in different ways with each update.
I've fiddled with it endlessly and done a complete reset on another surface 3 and the wifi goes into low power mode which makes things like remote desktop and even to an extent things like SSH sort of painful. These things need low latency high bandwidth (depending on what you're doing) and I haven't been able to get it working well. I usually end up using usb tethering to my phone or some such . that kills the battery life though. I need to make a data only cable by clipping the +5v lead from the surface in the usb table.
the i5 256 is a really awesome device and a solid buy for everywhere computing. It's really pretty good
I've been looking at the i3/64 model, mostly for... recreational purposes? You think the $200 for the i5 is worth the horsepower? My initial thoughts were going toward a Venue 11 Pro (Baytrail) but the larger and higher res screen combined with iX series processors, from the Surface, really drew me in. I did look into the iX series for the Venue but they are said to be bugged. :/