Surface Pro Receives Lowest Rating for Repairability
High risk of destroying tablet is present by merely opening it.

Repair experts iFixit has given Microsoft's Surface Pro a rating of one on a 10-point scale of repairability, with 10 being the easiest to repair.
It found that there are more than 90 screws in the device, accompanied by a high risk of cutting a crucial wire by merely opening the tablet, which may potentially destroy the device. The display assembly is also considerably difficult to remove and replace, iFixit stressed.
"Unless you perform the opening procedure 100% correctly, chances are you'll shear one of the four cables surrounding the display perimeter," the firm said. Should you manage to get the Surface Pro opened, both the solid-state drive and the battery can be removed.
A Surface Pro benchmark, meanwhile, showcased the device's impressive performance. Its benchmark saw the recently released Windows 8-powered tablet outperforming other tablets and puts it in the same league as high-end ultrabooks.
I would much have the device not break in the first place.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Yyqtte2DU3M#t=5s
Since this is a general purpose computer with a full blown OS the comparable mac device is the MacBook pro 15"(iPad = Surface RT) which also got a 1 from FixIt:
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Pro-with-Retina-Display-Teardown/9462/
Still, Ipad4 received a 2 out of 10 on the repairability score so I guess its just a tablet thing.
I would much have the device not break in the first place.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Yyqtte2DU3M#t=5s
Since this is a general purpose computer with a full blown OS the comparable mac device is the MacBook pro 15"(iPad = Surface RT) which also got a 1 from FixIt:
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook-Pro-with-Retina-Display-Teardown/9462/
The Real drop test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK1SJAdjsts
Still, Ipad4 received a 2 out of 10 on the repairability score so I guess its just a tablet thing.
It even includes accidental damage, even for accidents like drops or spills.
Why would you'd risk damaging it more while repairing it when you can get that kind of warranty plan.
- Competitors offer $99 warranty, that's why MSFT is offering that.
- Not really a witch hunt when this group does this for all major mobile products
The image says it got a "1"...is there a link somewhere saying it actually got a 4?
Screw this, I'm going desktop!
Basically, it's not mean to be repaired, it's mean to be replaced. I'm not a big environment guy, but surely lots of these will end up in landfills. We really should be more responsible with new tech and being able to repair it. I hate the "disposable" attitude we have all grown to except.
//end rant
Of course, you give the laptop back to the customers without saying a word
While I agree with the sentiment behind your statement, I just want to point out that the more integrated and miniature devices get, the less repairable they are. Imagine what guys that used to build the really big mainframe computers from the 60' & 70's think about working on laptops...
"You have to swap the whole cpu?! Well, back in MY DAY we COULD replace the CPU cache! Just reach in there, and swap it out." Just don't forget your wire wrapping tool btw, lol...
The point is, some perspective is needed here. The surface is a highly integrated & very rigid device. I watched the drop tests, the thing didn't even flex when dropped on it's corner. That's pretty sturdy. I'm sure they could have done with less adhesive and less fasteners, and the device would also be less rigid. If anything, I would suggest that the additional complexity of the device is an indicator of the value you are getting for your money. Clearly it takes a lot more labor & parts to assemble one of these. That being said, it also serves as an excellent advertisement for an affordable 2 year accident warranty.
I find that applying the right amount of heat helps (too little and it's very difficult to get off and the digitizer shatters, too much and components start to melt or malform) but i've never killed an iPad while attempting a repair (generally digitizers)
It's all about knowing where to be cautious.