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A teardown of Microsoft’s new Surface laptop reveals that it’s almost impossible to repair

A teardown of Microsoft’s new Surface laptop reveals that it’s almost impossible to repair

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‘It’s a glue-filled monstrosity’

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We really liked Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop: it’s got the right balance of power, portability, and design. It’s also apparently impossible to repair on your own, according to teardown specialists at iFixit.

There’s no screws holding the case together, so the technicians were forced to try and pry apart the Alcantara fabric, noting that it was difficult to do without tearing it. Underneath, the individual components are also difficult to remove: the keyboard is glued down, and the motherboard is covered with a series of thermal pads. The team also reports that they can’t disconnect the battery until several other components are removed, and once they get to it, they found that it’s glued directly to the case.

Microsoft’s Surface computers have never scored particularly well when it comes to repairability — look no further than its Surface Book from a couple of years ago, which scored a 1/10 rating. This new computer scores even worse: 0/10. iFixit reports that the laptop isn’t designed to be repaired, and users can’t upgrade individual components like the CPU, Ram or storage because they’re soldered to the motherboard.

Their verdict? “It’s a glue-filled monstrosity. There is nothing about it that is upgradable or long-lasting, and it literally can’t be opened without destroying it.”