Microsoft defends Surface Laptop following scathing review

Microsoft came in for criticism after its Surface Laptop was branded impossible to repair

Microsoft has said its Surface products are "intended to be serviced by professionals" after being criticised for making its Surface Laptop difficult to take apart for repairs.

Repairs website iFixit recently gave the Surface Laptop a scathing review of 0 out of 10 for reparability, claiming it is not possible to open the casing up for repairs.

iFixit is known for its product teardowns - in other words seeing how easy it is to take a product apart to replace the components inside.

In a video review, posted on Twitter, iFixit claimed opening the product was "a total nightmare, with "no visible screws or obvious point of entry".

After using a variety of tools to prise open the case, iFixit then used an "ultra-dangerous" heat gun to burn the keyboard casing off the chassis, melting a number of keys in the process.

iFixit gave the device a review of 0/10, highlighting four reasons:

"This laptop is not meant to be opened or repaired; you can't get inside without inflicting a lot of damage," it said.

"The CPU, RAM and on-board storage are soldered to the motherboard, making upgrades a no-go.

"The headphone jack, while modular, can only be accessed by removing the heat sink, fan, display, and motherboard.

"The battery is difficult and dangerous to replace, giving the device a limited lifespan."

In a statement sent to CRN, Microsoft defended the components and materials used for the Surface Laptop, adding that its products are only designed to be serviced and repaired by professionals.

"As is the case with many products, Surface is built by professionals and is intended to be serviced by professionals," a representative said.

The Surface Laptop is not the first Surface product to be brutally scored by iFixit. Its detachable Surface Book Pro was given a 1 out of 10 for reparability, for the same reasons as the Surface Laptop.

Surface is comprised of high-quality components, and we stand behind our warranty and the cutting-edge materials used to create these unique and powerful devices."

The review comes after HP's UK boss hit out at competitors for making their products difficult to repair, which he said pushes up resellers' services costs.