While the new Microsoft Surface Pro is popular enough to sell out at many locations across the country, the ultrabook/tablet hybrid is getting low marks for ease of repair, according to do-it-yourself tech repair site iFixit.
The Surface Pro receives a 1 out of 10 for its repairability score, the lowest rating possible. iFixit cited the construction of the device, which includes copious amounts of adhesive, a fused display and precariously-placed internal cables. Any teardown that requires a heat gun is usually pretty complicated.
The site hosts user-submitted guides with step-by-step instructions to fix thousands of different computers, laptops, cellphones, games consoles, cars, cameras and household appliances.
Tech companies sometimes go overboard when assembling their products, leading to devices that are nearly impossible to repair at home. Of course, sometimes this is intentional. Apple is notorious for hating home repairs, preferring customers to bring their tech into the Genius Bar for diagnosis and repair.
Best Buy makes a killing on its Geek Squad service, which repairs all manner of tech from different companies, often with licensing agreements that won't void the warranty and the resources and tools of a large organization.
But none of those provide the loving touch (or low cost) of home repair, and Microsoft seems to have gone out of its way to make it harder on weekend warriors.
The screen is held on with plenty of glue, and only the steady application of heat and pressure can remove it. That keeps dust and water from getting inside, but it's also the only way in to make repairs.
Replacing the battery requires replacing the entire back cover assembly, as the battery is glued in place. More than 90 screws secure the innards. If the Surface Pro breaks, it is possible to repair some things at home, but it's probably not worth the trouble or risk.