https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/11/surface-9-pro-teardown-reveals-modular-parts-microsofts-2023-repair-plans/ Skip to main content * Biz & IT * Tech * Science * Policy * Cars * Gaming & Culture * Store * Forums Subscribe [ ] Close Navigate * Store * Subscribe * Videos * Features * Reviews * RSS Feeds * Mobile Site * About Ars * Staff Directory * Contact Us * Advertise with Ars * Reprints Filter by topic * Biz & IT * Tech * Science * Policy * Cars * Gaming & Culture * Store * Forums Settings Front page layout Grid List Site theme light auto dark Sign in Going deep -- Surface Pro 9 teardown reveals modular parts, Microsoft's 2023 repair plans Microsoft says it will offer parts, manuals, and retail repair in early 2023. Kevin Purdy - Nov 11, 2022 5:11 pm UTC Surface Pro 9 teardown reveals modular parts, Microsoft's 2023 repair plans Enlarge reader comments 34 with 0 posters participating Share this story * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share on Reddit There's not much new to the Surface Pro 9 on the outside, as our review points out. Inside, however, there is evidence of a lot of work by Microsoft to make the device more repairable, as shown in an iFixit teardown. iFixit has consulted with Microsoft's hardware teams for a while now, providing advice on making devices more repairable. As evidence of this, Microsoft claims in a statement that it will: * Make repair guides available for the Surface Pro 9's components by the end of the year * Work with "a major US retailer" to build out an authorized (in-store) repair network by early 2023 * Offer parts to individuals and repair shops by the first half of 2023 All these factors improve repairability, both in practice and in iFixit's (and French, European, and potentially other nations') repair scores. iFixit's editorial teardowns, however, are conducted independently. When the team dug in, they found that the glass display has some flex built into it now, making it harder to shatter when you pry on the (now softer) glue underneath. With the screen off, you have access to all the modular components: motherboard, thermal module, the Surface Connect Port, speakers, Wi-Fi module, front and rear cameras, and side buttons. Advertisement iFixit's video teardown of the Surface Pro 9. Most notably, the battery is now screwed down instead of held in place with glue. That makes the most common and predictable repair to the device "just plain simple," iFixit claims. The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, something that iFixit would typically penalize in the past. But iFixit says that given the power savings and performance boost from proximity to the CPU, it can't punish the decision. Adding it all up, iFixit gives the Surface Pro 9 a 7 out of 10. That's a notable leap from prior Surface models, like the Pro 7, which received a 1 out of 10. But the Surface Pro 9's score will likely move up a notch or two if Microsoft keeps its promises to release manuals and spare parts to anyone who wants them next year. Disclosure: Kevin Purdy previously worked for iFixit. He holds no financial stake in the company. Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs. reader comments 34 with 0 posters participating Share this story * Share on Facebook * Share on Twitter * Share on Reddit Kevin Purdy Kevin is a tech reporter and product specialist at Ars Technica, with more than 15 years' experience writing about technology. Advertisement Channel Ars Technica - Previous story Next story - Related Stories Today on Ars * Store * Subscribe * About Us * RSS Feeds * View Mobile Site * Contact Us * Staff * Advertise with us * Reprints Newsletter Signup Join the Ars Orbital Transmission mailing list to get weekly updates delivered to your inbox. Sign me up - CNMN Collection WIRED Media Group (c) 2022 Conde Nast. All rights reserved. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 1/1/20) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 1/1 /20) and Ars Technica Addendum (effective 8/21/2018). Ars may earn compensation on sales from links on this site. Read our affiliate link policy. Your California Privacy Rights | Do Not Sell My Personal Information The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Conde Nast. Ad Choices