iFixit has recently conducted teardowns of Microsoft’s latest Surface devices, the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro tablet, to assess their repairability.
The Surface Laptop is praised for its accessibility, with just four screws underneath removable laptop feet and a few magnets holding the bottom cover in place. The battery is easy to remove, and the components are relatively simple to access. Microsoft has also included helpful guides printed on the parts and a QR code linking to repair guides.
On the other hand, the Surface Pro tablet is more challenging to repair due to its dense arrangement. Accessing components requires removing the display first, except for the M.2 storage drive, which can be removed without opening the case. Despite the complexity, the tablet is still considered remarkably repairable for its category.
iFixit has given both devices an 8 out of 10 provisional repairability score, highlighting Microsoft’s efforts to create repair-friendly hardware. In comparison, the Framework Laptop received a perfect 10 out of 10 score, while the iPad Air scored a 3 out of 10.
Furthermore, Microsoft has impressed by releasing service manuals for both devices on the same day as their launch.
Overall, the focus on repairability by Microsoft and the positive assessment from iFixit indicate a step in the right direction for consumer-friendly tech products. With more companies prioritizing repairability, users can feel more confident in their ability to maintain and fix their devices, ultimately leading to a more sustainable approach to technology.
