Microsoft’s Surface Pro scores 0 out of 10 on reparability test

Microsoft’s Surface Pro laptop definitely has some good sides, but what can you expect when it breaks? Unfortunately, on the repairability test by iFixit, this stylish laptop scores far from impressive: zero. Seems that it would be pretty difficult (or even impossible) to open and repair it, and the guys from iFixit tear it down and demonstrate all the possible difficulties you may encounter if you want to repair this laptop.

First of all, it’s nearly impossible to remove the fabric keyboard cover without damaging it. The team needed to use a Jimmy knife and a heat gun to remove it, and it resulted in tearing the fabric and melting the keys.

When they finally opened the laptop, they encountered a ton of other issues, and this is their conclusion:

• This laptop is not meant to be opened or repaired. It’s impossible to get inside without producing a lot of damage to other components.
• The CMU, RAM and onboard storage are soldered to the motherboard. This means that upgrades are a no-go.
• The headphone jack is modular and it can only be accessed by removing the heat sink, fan, display, and motherboard.
• It’s dangerous and difficult to remove the battery.

Now, I know everything today is designed to be replaced by a newer model every couple of years. Subjectively speaking, I can’t afford to buy new pricey gadgets every year or so just because a new model has appeared. I use stuff as long as their work and satisfy my needs. But of course, it’s a personal preference and habit. Although, if you are like me, you may find it a bit of a problem if your still perfectly usable Surface Pro breaks and it can’t be fixed.

Now, objectively speaking – things break. Even if you tend to replace the electronic gadgets with new models regularly, they will sometimes break while still in the warranty period. I assume people would want their Surface Pro fixed if something happens to it while it’s still practically new. And I’m pretty curious what happens then, and how a repair person is supposed to deal with it.

For me personally, this would be quite a problem because of my habits when it comes to gadgets. What about you? Do you find this a problem, or you don’t care at all?

[Microsoft Surface Laptop Teardown! via FStoppers]