iFixit, a website known for its comprehensive device teardowns and repair guides, recently got their hands on the new Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, both powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. Making up part of the Microsoft Copilot+ PC lineup, these are the first such devices iFixit has been able to disassemble, and the news is good for those who value repairability. While not perfect, both devices received a very respectable repairability score of 8/10.
Huge turnaround for Microsoft
This iFixit review marks a significant turnaround for Microsoft. Previous Surface devices, particularly the Surface Pro line, were notorious for being difficult or even impossible to repair due to glued-together components. The original Surface Pro received a dismal 1/10 repairability score, and things hadn’t improved much by the Surface Pro 7 in 2019. The Surface Pro X showed some progress with a 6 rating, but the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 represent a major leap forward.
One particularly interesting feature is the magnetic holder for the bottom panel of the Surface Laptop 7. After loosening the screws, magnets ensure proper positioning during reassembly, similar to the Framework laptops. This makes accessing the SSD and the 54Wh battery a breeze.
Some knockbacks
However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t quite match the convenience of the easily removable batteries found in older laptops like those from Fujitsu. While such user-replaceable batteries were once common, they are less in demand today. Nowadays, only a few specialized manufacturers like Panasonic and Getac cater to users who need the ability to swap batteries on the go.
Replacing the battery in the Surface Pro 11 is a different story. Here, users will need to apply heat to remove the display, which is adhered to the body with adhesive. While iFixit doesn’t consider the adhesive excessive, the process is certainly more involved than on the Surface Laptop 7. Additionally, the complex cooling system for the Snapdragon processor needs to be disassembled first, making battery replacement a less appealing option.
Additional advantages
On the other hand, the Surface Pro 11 offers a unique advantage when it comes to data recovery. The SSD can be replaced without opening the device at all. This means that in case of damage, users can easily remove the SSD and potentially transfer the data directly to another device. In this regard, the Surface Pro 11 surpasses the Surface Laptop 7.
iFixit emphasizes the significant shift in Microsoft’s approach to repairability. They point out the dramatic improvement from the original Surface Pro’s dismal score to the much more user-friendly design of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11. This move positions Microsoft as a more competitive player in a market increasingly focused on user-repairable devices.
