[citation][nom]beardguy[/nom]This sucks. I hate when companies do this. 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[/citation]
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.