Screenshot: Microsoft Surface/YouTube
When Microsoft launched its first Surface devices 10 years ago, comparisons were quickly made to Apple products, not only for their minimalist aesthetics, but also because they couldn’t be repaired at home. For years, these machines were so hard to crack that trying to do so was just as dangerous as playing Operation blindfolded.
We knew that thanks to the third-party repair facility, we didn’t even have to bother with swapping or replacing parts I attach it, which methodically breaks products down into their component parts and gives them a repairability rating. Microsoft scored 1’s and 0’s for several years before finally listening to delighted customers and adding an easy-to-access SSD door to the Surface Laptop 3 (which may void the warranty), the surprising changes were welcomed.
Now thank you pressure from shareholders, Microsoft is taking another step to help users with DIY repairs on Surface products. The official Surface YouTube account today shared a teardown video of the Surface Laptop SE, a $250 budget laptop designed for elementary school students.
The 8-minute clip shows how easy it is to access the internals of the Surface SE using simple tools like a T6 Torx screwdriver and tweezers. In the end, every major component that may need servicing is safely removed from the chassis.
Microsoft likely chose the Surface Laptop SE because it was specifically designed for schools where devices can be thrown around, covered in liquids, or filled with photos, videos, and/or boring online homework. The cost of repairing multiple laptops (or replacing the storage drive) after the warranty expires is a financial burden that schools can avoid by asking the tech lab teacher to do those repairs instead. Or when they’re old enough, by giving students a modern (and more useful) version of the animal section.
Screenshot: Microsoft Surface/YouTube
Microsoft is still unwilling to commit to making these repairs under warranty; The company recommends that you “seek professional help for device repairs and exercise caution when attempting repairs yourself.” It’s a friendlier way of saying that the company isn’t responsible if you break something in the process, and it’ll likely void your warranty.
Still, efforts to make repairs easier for end users stand in contrast to Apple’s war on them Right to have the movement repaired, the pressure of which eventually forced the company to let customers do their own iPhone and Mac repairs.
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