I've got the SP8 i5, 8 GB RAM (initially 256gb SSD but I replaced myself with a 1tb SSD for 89€) and am external egpu and it's fantastic. Though battery life should be much better as the igpu which is still far from the one on the AMD chips.
Nowadays I strongly advise against 8 GB RAM. If it's for office and web browsing, then no one needs a so expensive device; if it's for something else, then 16 GB RAM is another world and freedom. I'm ok with it but I would buy in 2023 with 8 GB RAM or even 256gb SSD for those prices, is offensive and outrageous! (Apple style too..).
I'm waiting for the SP10 IF there is a jump in battery life and igpu and the base version from the i5 comes with at least 16 GB RAM and 512gb SSD. Everything else is too expensive and I'll look elsewhere.
The wallet-friendly base model of the Surface Pro 9 is only equipped with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which should be suitable specs for buyers who plan to use their new 13-inch Windows tablet as a secondary device in addition to a full-fledged desktop or notebook.