Microsoft's latest Surface devices almost as easy to fix as they are to break
- Reference: 1719246734
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2024/06/24/microsoft_surface_ifixit_repairs/
- Source link:
Despite some issues with [1]software recovery , the devices have been built for hardware repairability.
It is quite the turnaround from the days of the first iteration of the Surface Laptop, in which the iFixit team was forced to use a scalpel to get into the device. "This is definitely not going back together without a roll of duct tape," the team observed during the [2]2017 teardown .
[3]
In comparison, the team [4]described Microsoft's latest laptop as "an astonishingly repair friendly device."
[5]
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Where once there might have been glue or fragile clips, there are now screws and even QR codes linking to the service manuals (made available on release day, according to iFixit).
Stripping the device is a breeze, assuming the correct tools are used. Microsoft has helpfully provided "Wayfinders" to indicate the type and quantity of screws being used to secure components, meaning that a repairer could even do without the online guides when pulling the hardware apart.
[7]Contrary to its fine print, Google says it won't confiscate repair returns that have unapproved parts
[8]UK Surface owners can now take misbehaving laptops to Currys
[9]Colorado governor signs 'best in the world' right-to-repair law
[10]iFixit divorces Samsung over lack of real commitment to DIY repair program
The good news is offset a little by a Wi-Fi module that cannot easily be replaced and the inevitable soldered-on RAM. A user would need to opt for something like the [11]Framework laptop for ultimate repair and upgradability, but the Surface Laptop 7 is a huge leap in the right direction.
The same can also be said for the Surface Pro 11. While removing the screen remains a heart-stopping process due to the device's tablet nature, the hardware is still impressively modular. As with previous generations of Microsoft tablets, the storage can be swapped out without disassembling the rest of the device.
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Readers of a certain age will remember the days when batteries could replaced without dismantling a laptop, and memory upgrades could be achieved with minimal skill. While Microsoft's Surface devices have yet to return to those halcyon times, iFixit's provisional 8 out of 10 shows that it is possible to build desirable hardware that doesn't require a visit to the recycling center when the battery starts to play up.
Regardless of the motives for Microsoft's move to repairability – a cynic might point to [13]regulators taking a closer look at hardware makers – the approach is to be applauded. Other manufacturers should take note. ®
Get our [14]Tech Resources
[1] https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/20/surface_laptop_7_recovery/
[2] https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Laptop+Teardown/92915
[3] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2ZnnsfMm1Pxh4-YSwxol2sQAAAE8&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[4] https://www.ifixit.com/News/96998/from-0-10-to-8-10-microsoft-puts-repair-front-and-center
[5] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44ZnnsfMm1Pxh4-YSwxol2sQAAAE8&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[6] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33ZnnsfMm1Pxh4-YSwxol2sQAAAE8&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[7] https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/04/google_repair_policy/
[8] https://www.theregister.com/2024/05/31/uk_microsoft_surface_repair_currys/
[9] https://www.theregister.com/2024/05/29/colorado_governor_signs_best_in/
[10] https://www.theregister.com/2024/05/23/ifixit_samsung_repair/
[11] https://frame.work/gb/en
[12] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44ZnnsfMm1Pxh4-YSwxol2sQAAAE8&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[13] https://www.theregister.com/2024/05/29/colorado_governor_signs_best_in/
[14] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
I used to keep Battery A and Battery B on my Nokia 2110, so that one was always charged. Was super easy to swap and lasted for days. Could even use it as a modem on my Psion, so basically a smart phone. ;-)
Hats off to MS
I'd like to see more of this, and will choose laptops and phones based on reparability. Most people don't seem to care much, but perhaps that will change.
Built in obsolescence is something our government should interfere in. (on of the few things) I'm looking at you Apple and Google.
Re: Hats off to MS
NO credit to MS for doing what they should have been doing all along.
But yes, built in obsolesce chasing the profit churn is killing the planet and our bank accounts.
Doing what IBM Thinkpads/Lenovo have always done
I have just replaced a keyboard / trackpad and a USB module on a Thinkpad, which meant stripping out almost everything ( Battery, Fan, Motherboard, Antenna cabling ), for which the manuals, the internal layout, screws etc are all heavilly detailed in a well thought out manuel written in perfect english. For the last 15 years or so I believe that this has always been the case.
So why has it taken MS an eternity to get here too, even though will give them Kudos for eventually arriving which is far more than can be said for "couldn't give a shit about anything except for marketing and money" Apple, Sanmung and ilk.
It's ironic that most students with "Save the planet, greener future etc" on their agendas will probably own impossible to repair Apple devices.
Re: Doing what IBM Thinkpads/Lenovo have always done
> It's ironic that most students with "Save the planet, greener future etc" on their agendas will probably own impossible to repair Apple devices
The alternative being slightly easier to repair Android phones (also) from China churning up oil.
Can't win, so you might as well upset some people in the mean-time.
Re: Doing what IBM Thinkpads/Lenovo have always done
"For the last 15 years or so I believe that this has always been the case."
Good to hear! I have the same experience with HP since before the Compaq merger.
Now, how are things there in the Dell universe...?
but...but...
Will it run Linux?
"Readers of a certain age will remember the days when batteries could replaced without dismantling a laptop, and memory upgrades could be achieved with minimal skill."
Stop it! You're making me feel old.