HOW IT’S DONE
X marks the spot, so let’s start digging!
Surface Pro 7
Less than a month after dropping the Surface Pro 7, Microsoft is back with the Surface Pro X – a fresh design with hints of improved repairability. Since ripping into the Surface Laptop 3, we’re cautiously optimistic. Bring on the era of repairable tablets, Microsoft – we’re ready.
MAJOR TECH SPECS
13-inch PixelSense 2880x1920 display (267ppi)
Microsoft SQ1 3.0GHz ARM CPU (based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx), with a Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685 GPU
8GB of LPDDR4X RAM (16GB optional)
Removable 128GB SSD (256GB or 512GB optional)
5MP and Windows Hello front-facing cameras, and 10MP rear-facing camera
2x USB-C ports and one Surface Connect port
Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit LTE
KEY FINDINGS
Unlike the Surface Pro 7, the Pro X is a complete redesign. Compared to the Pro 7, we note the Pro X’s rounded corners, narrower profile, and reduced port selection.
With the kickstands raised, we can see that the Pro X gets a sleeker hinge, and there’s the faint outline of what can only be described as a secret trap door. Beneath, an SSD (held down by a T3 screw), and a SIM slot. The SSD looks familiar. A comparison with the 256GB drive we pulled from the Surface Laptop 3 confirms both devices use the same drive. Unlike the Laptop 3 with its hidden screws, we don’t find any fasteners lurking under the kickstand.
We try a little suction to lift the display near the speaker grille, and we can cut right in. No goopy tendrils hold this display down – it comes off clean. This friendly, cuttable foam adhesive is an improvement over other Surface Pros, and pretty much all tablets with glued-down screens. We need only a single Torx bit to twirl away the heatsink screws. Here’s one thing we’re glad Microsoft didn’t change: All the screws so far are just Torx. That was the previous Surface Pro’s sole positive repairability point, and it’s good to see it return. Supporting the heatsink is an interesting bit of abstract art. With the heatsink and quite a few shields and screws out of the way, the motherboard slides out.
It seems that Microsoft has placed at least one foot on the repairability train – between this Pro X and the Laptop 3, we can hardly believe all the repair-focused changes it has made. The SSD is truly userreplaceable, requiring only a SIM eject pin and a T3 driver – no need to remove the screen. That’s awesome to see in such a slim form factor. As a bonus, it’s the same SSD as in the Laptop 3, so more standardisation and better support from third parties. Repairability Score: 6 out of 10 (10 is easiest to repair). The userremovable SSD makes for easy upgrades and data security that doesn’t require device destruction. To the extent that screws are used, they are all standard Torx fasteners. Many components are modular and can be replaced independently. Almost all repairs require display removal, with an improved procedure that needs no heat, but necessitates careful prying. The battery is glued in place, with its connector pinned under the motherboard – requiring near-total disassembly for service.