Microsoft Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 7 Copilot are the devices that are considered the easiest to repair today.
Microsoft's newly launched Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 7 Copilot Plus are considered some of the most repairable laptops on the market.
According to iFixit's new teardown of the laptop, they praised how easy it was for technicians to service them.
Technician Shahram Mokhtari from iFixit's official YouTube channel walked through the process of removing each component, including the motherboard, to demonstrate how simple it is to disassemble and repair Microsoft's new computers.
Surface Copilot Plus is the most repairable computer on the market today - 1
Underneath the casing of each device are a number of labels and QR codes with wrench icons above them. Microsoft calls these labels “Wayfinder Markings,” and they’ll tell you what type of screwdriver you’ll need, as well as how many screws you’ll need to secure the components in that area. Meanwhile, the QR codes will take you to Microsoft’s official service guide page for easier guidance.
The ease of component removal has been greatly improved, which is especially beneficial for laptops. For example, the battery in the Surface Laptop can now be removed by removing the bottom foot and back cover, compared to older models that required almost every other component to be removed first.
This is especially problematic when the battery is the only replaceable part of the laptop. The SSD is also replaceable and upgradeable, but it is soldered to the motherboard, making it difficult for the average user to remove and replace.
Surface Copilot Plus is the most repairable computer on the market today - 2
The Surface Pro also has an easy-to-use design, upgrades with a replaceable SSD without disassembling, and a much simpler screen removal than other tablets. However, due to the strong adhesive, replacing other components like the battery can be a bit more difficult, according to iFixit.
The Surface Pro and Surface Laptop both received a repairability score of 8/10, which is a big improvement from Microsoft's rather low score in 2017, when iFixit gave the first version of the Surface Laptop a 0/10 repairability score.
It seems that Microsoft has since decided to turn a new page, even partnering with iFixit in 2021 to start selling repair tools for Surface devices.
Surface Copilot Plus is the most repairable computer on the market today - 3
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Meanwhile, Apple's MacBooks and Google's Chromebooks are among the least repairable laptops, according to a report called Failing the Fix, compiled by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), a consumer advocacy organization in the United States.
It seems that Apple and Google should also make changes like Microsoft in their computer designs to be more user-friendly.
The Surface Pro 9 is Microsoft's first tablet to feature both Intel and ARM CPUs in the same lineup, with users able to choose between Intel's 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 variants, or a variant with the Microsoft SQ3 chip powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon. Microsoft says the SQ3 processor will deliver fast 5G connectivity, better battery life, and improved video calling with auto-framing, eye contact, voice focus, and background blur.
Surface Pro 9 launch: Is it good enough to beat iPad Pro? - 1
The Intel CPU variants are available with 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM. If you want the Surface Pro 9 with 5G and the Microsoft SQ3 processor, you can only choose the 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X RAM configuration. Storage options include 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB (only on Intel CPU models). More importantly, all Surface Pro 9 variants come with a replaceable SSD for user upgrades.
Surface Pro 9 launch: Is it good enough to beat iPad Pro? - 2
The Surface Pro 9 is Microsoft's first tablet in the Pro lineup to feature a colorful chassis. In addition to the current Platinum and Graphite, users can also choose from new Sapphire and Forest color variants. Buyers can also customize their Surface Pro 9 with a new Surface Pro Signature Keyboard made from partially bio-processed Alcantara with at least 12 percent renewable content sourced from sugarcane waste.
Surface Pro 9 launch: Is it strong enough to beat iPad Pro? - 3
While the Surface Pro 9 looks very similar to its predecessor and has the same anodized aluminum frame, the new model does away with the headphone jack as Microsoft has removed the 3.5mm audio port, leaving just one Surface Connect and two Thunderbolt/USB-C 4.0 ports (Intel model only). Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 9 uses an ARM processor and comes with two USB-C 3.2 ports.
