Microsoft Surface Touch Cover 'Splits Within Days'

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Microsoft Surface Touch Cover 'Splits Within Days'

Posted by Soulskill on Saturday November 10, 2012 @10:18PM from the make-like-a-banana dept.

An anonymous reader points out a report at the Guardian of a potential problem for early adopters of the Microsoft Surface tablet. The Touch Cover is one of the available protective covers for the device; it acts as a keyboard, and has both a gyroscope and an accelerometer on board. Unfortunately, some users have found that the edges of the Touch Cover have split open after only a few days of use. "The defect is identical in each case: the cover ... begins to split at its seam where the device attaches magnetically to the main computer. [One developer] was told to return his Touch Cover to Microsoft for a replacement, and Microsoft has been swapping faulty covers for users where it has retail stores. It's unclear whether the problems that people have encountered are due to a faulty batch or are a subtle problem that will become more apparent as more people use it for longer — but the fact that users in the US and the UK have reported the problem suggests that it is not isolated to a single manufacturing batch."

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My experience with Surface by iolek · 2012-11-10 22:18 · Score: 2, Informative

I would say that this story might be a bit over-sensationalist. I have Surface and the touch cover and it's working well. Actually, the whole thing is much better than Android based tablets or iPad. It just works, and you have Windows underneath.
1. Re:My experience with Surface by imagined.by · 2012-11-10 22:27 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I would say that this story might be a bit over-sensationalist.
  Well, now that Microsoft wants to compete with Apple, they'll have to deal with over-sensationalist news as well.
  Let me be the first to suggest "Covergate". ;)
2. Re:My experience with Surface by iolek · 2012-11-10 22:39 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  and microsoft telling them that they're using it in wrong position that causes wrong stress on the seam.
  Even the summary says that Microsoft is changing them. You're talking about Apple's way of doing things.
3. Re:My experience with Surface by Dunbal · 2012-11-10 22:43 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Correct, if it was Apple the user would be told that he is using the cover wrong, and a new and improved cover would be available for purchase for $399.
  
  --
  Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
4. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-10 22:50 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Of course they're defective.
  Which part of "Microsoft Product" did you not understand?
5. Re:My experience with Surface by dna_(c)(tm)(r) · 2012-11-10 23:20 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  You guys, stop Microsoft cover bashing (then at least it will hold together at the seams)
6. Re:My experience with Surface by rainmouse · 2012-11-10 23:54 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Well, now that Microsoft wants to compete with Apple, they'll have to deal with over-sensationalist news as well.
  Though I suspect they may find themselves in a patent infringement lawsuit regarding this.
7. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-10 23:56 · Score: 2, Funny
  
  I would say that this story might be a bit over-sensationalist.
  The implication being there is some level of sensationalism that is acceptable?
8. Re:My experience with Surface by flowsnake · 2012-11-10 23:56 · Score: 2
  
  You're holding it wrong. Not that big of a deal.
9. Re:My experience with Surface by benjymouse · 2012-11-10 23:59 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  and microsoft telling them that they're using it in wrong position that causes wrong stress on the seam.
  I call BS. Nowhere in the linked articles is Microsoft cited for any such claim. Citation needed, please.
  
  --
  Reading slashdot one-liner: (irm http://rss.slashdot.org/Slashdot/slashdot).rdf.item | fl title,desc*
10. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 00:14 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I agree. As a busy, young, professional, and I kept finding that my Android and Apple devices were holding back my potential to synergize my cloud potential at work, but it also got in the way of my X-treme lifestyle when I'm not. After a few days of using my new Microsoft® Surface, it magically unleashed my creativity and X-tremeness and earning potential with it's radical Microsoft® Windows® technology, and I was offered the job of CEO. The styling and unique VaporMg (patent pending) casing caught the eye of a few supermodels today, while I was doing some Xtreme mountainbike-hang-gliding-surfing-rock-climbing-base-jumping, which is a new sport made possible only by thoughtful design and precision craftsmanship that make Surface a joy to behold. They were aroused by the split touch cover, and told me they'd be my harem as long as I never to get it changed.
11. Re:My experience with Surface by Cryacin · 2012-11-11 00:14 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  You have to say, good customer service. At least they didn't say the users were just doing it wrong.
  
  --
  Science advances one funeral at a time- Max Planck
12. Re:My experience with Surface by erroneus · 2012-11-11 00:19 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  This is Microsoft we're talking about. There is the obgligatory "...of death" which must be added to every Microsoft based failure.
13. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 00:20 · Score: 1
  
  I find your disruptive ideas fascinating and would like to syndicate your newsletter into my social media platform.
14. Re:My experience with Surface by benjymouse · 2012-11-11 00:43 · Score: 5, Interesting
  
  it is bs, because the suggestion is made with the mouth of an user
  Not with the mouth of a user. The suggestion was made by a user. Or are you suggesting that Microsoft imposes a user to make such a suggestion?
  
  but it's apparently the reason for why it breaks
  That a little premature conclusion, don't you think? I have been using the device extensively like that and my cover has not split (yet). Is it now a concern? Yes, definitively. I can even see how the wires in that place *does* put extra stress on the glued/welded surfaces. But to jump to " it's apparently the reason for why it breaks" is just not supported by any data at this point. Pure speculation.
  
  so I'd wager that MS would tell you just to fuck off after you're back to have it changed the third time.
  Yeah, you'd wager. Right. Certainly their actions so far indicate that the users affected by this problem have had no problem getting a replacement. So on what basis do you "wager" that?
  
  --
  Reading slashdot one-liner: (irm http://rss.slashdot.org/Slashdot/slashdot).rdf.item | fl title,desc*
15. Re:My experience with Surface by Joce640k · 2012-11-11 00:50 · Score: 1
  
  Though I suspect they may find themselves in a patent infringement lawsuit regarding this.
  Yep. You can bet Apple is just waiting for the "right moment" to start suing.
  
  --
  No sig today...
16. Re:My experience with Surface by DrXym · 2012-11-11 00:55 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  It just works, and you have Windows underneath.
  If you have the RT version the only thing you have underneath is disappointment and tears.
17. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:09 · Score: 0
  
  its fair in return for the oversentionalist promoting of the products in the first place
18. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:37 · Score: 0
  
  Piss the fuck off, reverse shill. You don't have a Surface, you're a fucking troll.
19. Re:My experience with Surface by bfandreas · 2012-11-11 01:38 · Score: 2
  
  I would say that this story might be a bit over-sensationalist.
  Well, now that Microsoft wants to compete with Apple, they'll have to deal with over-sensationalist news as well.
  Let me be the first to suggest "Covergate". ;)
  Sorry, you don't get to make up a name. Since a keyboard and MS are involved A20 Gate is assigned by default.
  
  --
  20 minutes into the future
20. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:41 · Score: 1
  
  Son, what you are bringing to the table would incentivize a revolution, with its best of breed value-add. Going forward, the only way you could virtualize enough agility pull something like this off, would be to Unleash The Power(TM) of Microsoft® Surface® with Windows© technology.
  I think you might just have what it takes, you crazy son of a bitch. Welcome aboard.
21. Re:My experience with Surface by bfandreas · 2012-11-11 01:42 · Score: 1
  
  If you dismantle the whole thing then you might find a Tegra3 soc. The layer of tears and disappointment is sandwiched between the gorgeous exterior and the hardware.
  
  --
  20 minutes into the future
22. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:48 · Score: 0
  
  How much do they pay you for astroturfing on slashdot? I'm currently unemployed, and it seems like a nice job. And where do I apply?
23. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:48 · Score: 0
  
  Surface Split of Death? (SSOD)
24. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:59 · Score: 0
  
  Also, has anyone ever been able to receive a free m replacement I-product charging cable that seems to have a 6 month life span with the common consumer?
25. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 02:02 · Score: 0
  
  "Covergate" - is that anything like "screen door"?
26. Re:My experience with Surface by Sponge+Bath · 2012-11-11 02:05 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  This unbiased testimony to the awesomeness of Surface with Windows RT prompted me to buy one for every member of my family and a homeless guy. The new EZ-tear away cover technology saves me time and those precious moments can mean the difference between life and death. If you care about your family, Surface is the tablet for you.
27. Re:My experience with Surface by swillden · 2012-11-11 02:28 · Score: 1
  
  and microsoft telling them that they're using it in wrong position that causes wrong stress on the seam.
  I call BS. Nowhere in the linked articles is Microsoft cited for any such claim. Citation needed, please.
  it is bs, because the suggestion is made with the mouth of an user. but it's apparently the reason for why it breaks, so I'd wager that MS would tell you just to fuck off after you're back to have it changed the third time.
  I'll take that wager. In fact, if you'll bet me $1000, I'll give you two-to-one odds. If you agree, please respond and we'll nail down the details of the wager and the means for payment.
  I could use $500.
  
  --
  Note to ACs: I usually delete AC replies without reading them. If you want to talk to me, log in.
28. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 02:33 · Score: 1
  
  Wow, now that is funny. In the same way that an iPad or a Nexus 7 is just disappointment and tears. In other words, it is not that at all. The RT version is the true device - it is designed to be a competitor to lesser non-pc (content consumption) devices like the Nexus 7 and iPad. Don't get me wrong - those devices are great. But they can't do everything a PC can. Neither can RT. They do about the same stuff, allowing for how few apps are in the app store for RT at this early point. Are they late to market? Damn right. Are they so late, with so few apps, that they have no chance? Possibly. Does the Surface RT miss the boat in a few places (like no GPS, etc.)? Yeah, it does. However, other vendors are making RT devices too and they do have a chance of success. Probably a small one, but this IS the true Windows 8 that MS hopes to move everyone to eventually.
29. Re:My experience with Surface by poetmatt · 2012-11-11 02:39 · Score: 0, Flamebait
  
  Huh? That's what the windows OS defines. They didn't have to say it in conjunction to a surface tablet - by buying one, you're already doing it wrong.
30. Re:My experience with Surface by surkum · 2012-11-11 03:25 · Score: 2
  
  Are you working for Apple?, That's the exact answer that an apple employer give me last week in Boston when I told him that my smart cover was tearing apart since I reviced it a month before. indeed it was after asking me if I has summeged it in water. 8) Subrealistic.
  
  --
  here ends what some neis
31. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 03:50 · Score: 1
  
  RT is about as fully featured as Win8 home. The only things I'm missing from pro are IPSec and domain joining.
  MMC.exe is there, gpedit.msc is there, it's all there, save for business-class features and running crap that probably should be running on a tablet anyways (because battery life is neat)
32. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 03:59 · Score: 0
  
  Surface Split of Death? (SSOD)
  The surface split? Where did it go?
33. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 04:00 · Score: 1
  
  You should return your iPad too, it looks like the spell-check is faulty as well.
34. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 04:48 · Score: 0
  
  And the antenna in the cover doesn't work either!
35. Re:My experience with Surface by poofmeisterp · 2012-11-11 04:49 · Score: 1
  
  I agree. As a busy, young, professional, and I kept finding that my Android and Apple devices were holding back my potential to synergize my cloud potential at work, but it also got in the way of my X-treme lifestyle when I'm not. After a few days of using my new Microsoft® Surface, it magically unleashed my creativity and X-tremeness and earning potential with it's radical Microsoft® Windows® technology, and I was offered the job of CEO. The styling and unique VaporMg (patent pending) casing caught the eye of a few supermodels today, while I was doing some Xtreme mountainbike-hang-gliding-surfing-rock-climbing-base-jumping, which is a new sport made possible only by thoughtful design and precision craftsmanship that make Surface a joy to behold. They were aroused by the split touch cover, and told me they'd be my harem as long as I never to get it changed.
  I love how you're promoting X. That enables users to add SupaDupaMiles®-sky-jumping to their Xtreme mountainbike-hang-gliding-surfing-rock-climbing-base-jumping LifeStyle®! "Rock" on!
  
  :-)
36. Re:My experience with Surface by rtfa-troll · 2012-11-11 05:04 · Score: 2
  
  Yep. You can bet Apple is just waiting for the "right moment" to start suing.
  Don't expect much. Microsoft and Apple have long had a reciprocal patent licensing agreement. Basically they are acting in a patent cartel together to try to get rid of other competition from the market. When Microsoft brings out it's new phones I guess you can expect that there will also be a "right way" and a "wrong way" to hold it too. (As erroneus would have it "the grip of death")
  
  --
  =~ s,(.*),<sarcasm>$1</sarcasm>,g if any_point_you_wish();
37. Re:My experience with Surface by rtfa-troll · 2012-11-11 05:50 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  Every manufacturer does silent replacements for broken products. You a can only reasonably say that Microsoft has "good customer service" over this if they issue a total product recall before this becomes a major media issue.
  (as a side note; it's pretty obvious the shills mod each other up within seconds at the start of an article being posted - doesn't this seem like pretty clear moderator abuse which Slashdot should stamp on)
  
  --
  =~ s,(.*),<sarcasm>$1</sarcasm>,g if any_point_you_wish();
38. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 05:58 · Score: 0
  
  Surface Split of Death? (SSOD)
  The surface split? Where did it go?
  Certainly not in the homes of consumers.
39. Re:My experience with Surface by DrXym · 2012-11-11 06:30 · Score: 1
  
  It's fully featured in the "doesn't run any software except MS products" sense. I strongly suspect the only reason there is a desktop at all is because the MS Office group came to the Windows 8 group with a big frowny face and said they couldn't port their horrifically complex app suite in time. I don't blame them. So RT included a desktop kludge to support MS Office and maybe a handful of other tools and no other reason. I don't expect it to survive when MS Office gets a proper port.
40. Re:My experience with Surface by DrXym · 2012-11-11 07:30 · Score: 1
  
  The GP said "you have Windows underneath". I just pointing out in a humorous way that he / she didn't.
  Also before you think I think Android is all sweetness and light, I don't. I hate the mouse and keyboard support in Android and think its one area that Windows gets right and Android sucks balls at. But conversely just because I like it for that reason doesn't mean I can overlook RT's shortcomings of which there are many. It's half an OS and not the good half.
  I expect that I'll own a proper Windows 8 tablet someday when the price reaches no-taking-the-piss levels. But RT IMO is a lame duck. It's not Windows, and as a tablet its few advantages are outweighed by its many disadvantages.
41. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 08:18 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  No, not every manufacturer. Not Apple, Microsoft's competition.
  http://www.macrumors.com/2012/04/19/blogger-victorious-over-apple-in-small-claims-case-on-nvidia-gpu-failures/
  It seems that the actual article is down at the moment, but apple actually sent two lawyers to court, and tried to file a counter suit against a man even though Nvidia would be paying the actual cost of the repair.
  So no, not every manufacturer. Microsoft is actually pretty great at customer service in that sense.
  It was the same thing with the xbox 360s, if you had an xbox 360 that was 3 years old or less and had the most common hardware failure, it got replaced. Microsoft caught a ton of flack though, because their agreement to replace all these xboxes actually brought more attention to the story.
  I had three(yes, 3) original playstations that didn't last 3 years without a hardware failure. I also had a PS2 that failed in 3.5 years after receiving maybe 1/10th of the use my xbox 360 received. Original nintendos were notoriously unreliable at reading cartridges. Nobody talks about those screwups though, meanwhile here's Microsoft replacing xbox 360s left and right, replacing all these touch covers, and people treat it as a negative. At least they're showing good faith to make it right.
42. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 08:19 · Score: 0
  
  Yes, if it's Microsoft it's defective. If it's Apple, you're just holding it wrong.
43. Re: My experience with Surface by Dupple · 2012-11-11 08:22 · Score: 1
  
  Red ring of death?
  Fucked by Microsoft again...
  
  --
  Watch those corners
44. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 09:10 · Score: 0
  
  It's not just one accessory or even a single company. Throughout the PC world accessories are thought of a high margin items and consumers are treated to a plethora of crap. It's endemic, epidemic and emblematic of the age of consumption.
  It the focus on profit over quality fills the world's landfills and signifies the contempt that capitalism holds for itself.
45. Re:My experience with Surface by ColdWetDog · 2012-11-11 09:41 · Score: 1
  
  No, you're confused. That would be a trademark issue.
  
  --
  Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
46. Re:My experience with Surface by Dr+Max · 2012-11-11 10:36 · Score: 1
  
  To be fair they will replace any faulty cover for free and it's not like it even stops working suddenly. Also why are we reading about a split keyboard when they just invented real time voice to voice language translation using the tones and voice of the original speaker. http://www.technologyreview.com/news/507181/microsoft-brings-star-treks-voice-translator-to-life/ .
  
  --
  Rocket Surgeon.
47. Re:My experience with Surface by green1 · 2012-11-11 11:48 · Score: 1
  
  As someone who frequently uses both a keyboard and mouse with his android tablet, I'm curious in what way you think Android screwed that up and Microsoft got it right?
48. Re: My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 12:36 · Score: 1
  
  Had the very same problem. Do you get your Vindaloos from that Indian place at Leicester square too?
49. Re:My experience with Surface by dudpixel · 2012-11-11 14:40 · Score: 1
  
  Well, now that Microsoft wants to compete with Apple, they'll have to deal with over-sensationalist news as well.
  Let me be the first to suggest "Covergate". ;)
  Surely apple has a patent for that!
  
  --
  This seemed like a reasonable sig at the time.
50. Re:My experience with Surface by dudpixel · 2012-11-11 14:48 · Score: 1
  
  Actually, Microsoft branded hardware is usually pretty good. I've long been a fan of the MS Natural Keyboard line, and their intellimouse products were a global favourite at one time also.
  
  --
  This seemed like a reasonable sig at the time.
51. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 15:24 · Score: 0
  
  Because it is a raging anti-Microsoft zealot who is trying to appear as a Microsoft shill. It is a troll. Just look at his post history.
52. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 18:42 · Score: 0
  
  Note to self never stand in line or buy something when it 1st comes out
53. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 20:00 · Score: 0
  
  And the XBox was awesome.
  No, Microsoft does not have a good track record for complex hardware. Simple stuff like keyboards and mice that they'd been doing for a long time were good. That does not translate into "good at hardware" in general.
54. Re:My experience with Surface by antifoidulus · 2012-11-11 23:08 · Score: 1
  
  No, it isn't. Cannot install browsers other than IE, which makes it completely worthless.
  
  --
  Monstar L
55. Re:My experience with Surface by DrXym · 2012-11-12 00:07 · Score: 1
  
  Because it doesn't work very well. What happens if you ctrl+shift+cursor in some random app in Android? Pot luck. Keyboard accelerators? Pot luck. Proper focus in fields? Pot luck. What happens if you mouse over a link or a text field in Android? Nothing because the cursor shapes provide no contextual feedback to the user. The only mouse effects I've noticed are occasional sites where the a:hover and mouse events kick in. What happens if you drag a selection of text with the mouse in Android? Pot luck because Android's text selection is designed for fingers and doesn't necessarily work the way someone with a mouse expects it to work.
  Mouse and keyboard in Android are extremely basic and wanting. Google could do a lot here to improve the situation and it needs an extreme going over to whip it into shape.
56. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-12 01:16 · Score: 0
  
  How does the fact that your product works fine make this story "over-sensationalist"?
57. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-12 02:17 · Score: 0
  
  I'll be modded down by the Android shills, too, but my Surface has been working flawlessly and runs circles around the Toshiba Thrive i was using. I can develop for it in sane languages and finally get rid of the bloody JRE/JDK on my primary desktop. And, best of all, it's Google free.
58. Re:My experience with Surface by lsatenstein · 2012-11-12 06:31 · Score: 1
  
  You have to say, good customer service. At least they didn't say the users were just doing it wrong.
  New products have teething problems. Issues such as this (remember the cracked glass issue with Apple) will be resolved. That is one reason why I never want to be first in. The second is that you pay more for being first, a reward for your obsession.
  
  --
  Leslie Satenstein Montreal Quebec Canada
59. Re:My experience with Surface by Zero__Kelvin · 2012-11-12 07:17 · Score: 1
  
  "It just works, and you have Windows underneath."
  Make up your mind.
  
  --
  Guns don't kill people; Physics kills people! - John Lithgow as Dick Solomon on Third Rock From The Sun
60. Re:My experience with Surface by Josuah · 2012-11-12 07:43 · Score: 1
  
  The Xbox 360 red ring of death (RRoD) fiasco had a very high failure rate (relatively speaking) at a very high cost to Microsoft ($1B USD) and they originally denied any manufacturing/design flaw. The 3 year replacement program was only established about 1.5 years after release, when they finally acknowledged the problem.
  You are perhaps an unlucky outlier of hardware failures (perhaps you should be checking your gaming environment) but attempting to paint the Xbox 360 failure rate as comparable to the failure rate of other consoles is ignorance, and Microsoft's "better" service of those failures is a direct result of the high failure rate coupled with a massive PR hit.
61. Re:My experience with Surface by green1 · 2012-11-12 12:23 · Score: 1
  
  ummm... and how does windows do any of this better?
  ctrl+shift+cursor in windows does something different in every application,
  I'm not even sure what a keyboard accelerator is?
  Focus is one thing that Windows does worse than any other OS on the planet. I hate random apps gaining or loosing focus of their own accord all the time. As for on Android, it's rare to have more than one app or dialog box on the screen at a time, however on those rare occasions, clicking seems to set focus where it should be every time.
  Clicking and dragging to select text works beautifully in Android with a mouse, I use that feature extensively, in fact it works better than on any other OS I've ever seen because if you missed the starting point by a couple letters you can just go back and fix it instead of having to re-select the whole thing.
  Mouse and keyboard in Android has been working extremely well for me. about the only one of those complaints that seems valid is mouse over...
62. Re:My experience with Surface by Lisias · 2012-11-12 13:09 · Score: 1
  
  I do not agree with you.
  I did a peek on the GP's user posts, and unless Slashdot issued a way to delete posts, there's nothing into this guy's past that corroborates your affirmation. Granted, the guy can be lying. But he isn't being aggressive, pervasive or anything like that. He issued an opinion, and didn't deserved being mod trolled by this.
  This is mod trolling, simply like that.
  
  --
  Lisias@Earth.SolarSystem.OrionArm.MilkyWay.Local.Virgo.Universe.org
63. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-12 18:20 · Score: 0
  
  I had a MS Natural Ergonomic 7000 keyboard fail on me, more than a year old and they replaced it with a new one - even paid for all the shipping.
  OTOH when my first Wii died I had to pay to ship it to Nintendo Australia. They looked at it and wanted me to pay $250 for a "replacement", but they would graciously move all my data on the HDD onto my new Wii. At the time $250 was the going price for a Wii, but you also got a controller and game with it and as it was coming up to Christmas sales I knew it would be cheaper to wait a few months and then buy a new one. They blew me off when the Wii-motes died.
  Yes, there are some companies that value their customers and others that just value their money.
64. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-12 18:23 · Score: 0
  
  Ditto
65. Re:My experience with Surface by Dunbal · 2012-11-12 23:37 · Score: 1
  
  No I don't, but it's nice to know that if I ever need another job I could always work there with a minimum of training.
  
  --
  Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
66. Re:My experience with Surface by DrXym · 2012-11-13 01:19 · Score: 1
  
  Keyboard and mice have been the defacto standard for text entry on Windows since forever. Windows 8 and RT support these inputs extremely well and apps get a lot of default behaviour for free, including some gestures and have a sufficient user base to explicitly test with these inputs.
  As I said this stuff is not adequate in Android and it is obvious by simple comparison. I don't see why you need to defend it when I provided so many examples of its failings. I like Android but I see no need to sweep its bad points under the rug. I want Android to get stronger by addressing them.
67. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-13 01:45 · Score: 0
  
  Yes because Apple has such a horrible track record of customer service. What you are talking about was bad PR, not bad customer service.
68. Re:My experience with Surface by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-13 01:51 · Score: 0
  
  If you hadn't introduced it to water damage, then the employee would have replaced it for free. That's standard protocol...determine if something qualifies for warranty replacement (hint: water damage doesn't), then replace it. And to the point above, even if you had to buy a new one due to your own neglect,smart covers aren't $399.
  And for the jackasses who can't let "holding it wrong" go, I do recall that a replacement bumper was distributed for free for anyone who couldn't master the correct way of holding the phone. I also remember that it wasn't an inherent design flaw, because it didn't happen with every iPhone, nor even most iPhones.
69. Re:My experience with Surface by green1 · 2012-11-13 05:06 · Score: 1
  
  I'm defending it because all but one of the points you made are either also there in windows, or flat out wrong.
  I even admitted you were right on the one issue, and that's the lack of mouse-over support. I'd love that to be added.
  I'm not trying to sweep anything under the rug, I too want android to get stronger, but they do that by focusing on real problems, not ones that are made up and don't exist.
  As for "Keyboard and mice have been the defacto standard for text entry on Windows since forever" the same could be said for Linux (it is after all what powers Android) and is also completely irrelevant to the discussion at hand.
So what? by lennier1 · 2012-11-10 22:33 · Score: 5, Funny

They're just holding it wrong!
1. Re:So what? by Rogerborg · 2012-11-10 22:54 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  Did you read the "some users" link before cracking wise? That's exactly what they are saying: don't use it the way you see us using it in the adverts and you'll be fine.
  Jesus wept, the cognitive dissonance in there makes Apple fanbois look like balanced professional reviewers. After one victim reported getting a replacement which itself split within 24 hours (holding it wrong...) the response was "it is a problem with the accessory not the tablet". Well, I guess that makes it all right then.
  Good news for Microsoft though, it looks like they'll get to report "shipping" lots of covers.
  
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  If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
2. Re:So what? by aliquis · 2012-11-10 23:20 · Score: 1, Insightful
  
  Yeah, I thought that too.
  Phones with no reception and tablet and keyboard solutions which doesn't work as they should.
  Sounds like the rest of the world is finally catching up to the Linux desktop! Now all they need to do is to get the same mentality. "IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT YOU'RE FREE TO BUILD YOUR OWN / FIX IT YOURSELF!"
3. Re:So what? by benjymouse · 2012-11-11 00:06 · Score: 5, Informative
  
  That's exactly what they are saying: don't use it the way you see us using it in the adverts and you'll be fine.
  Citation needed. Hint: You seem to be confusing one user's suggestion for a Microsoft statement.
  
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4. Re:So what? by Joce640k · 2012-11-11 00:54 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  I bet the only people who get this problem are the same people who fold paperback books completely back on themselves when they read them.
  
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  No sig today...
5. Re:So what? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:25 · Score: 0
  
  That's exactly what they are saying: don't use it the way you see us using it in the adverts and you'll be fine.
  Citation needed. Hint: You seem to be confusing one user's suggestion for a Microsoft statement.
  That's right. The first poster of the comment was poking fun at Apple who had a problem with Macbook cases breaking and blamed it on the user. Apple eventually fixed the cases.
6. Re:So what? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 03:00 · Score: 0
  
  The first poster of the comment was poking fun at Apple who had a problem with Macbook cases breaking and blamed it on the user
  And the whole "holding it wrong" thing with the iPhone.
7. Re:So what? by Alien+Being · 2012-11-11 03:23 · Score: 1
  
  folding it wrong
8. Re:So what? by Rogerborg · 2012-11-11 04:36 · Score: 0
  
  Good point. Tell you what, how about you buy one and let us know how that works out for you?
  
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  If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
9. Re:So what? by mcgrew · 2012-11-11 04:48 · Score: 1
  
  Sounds like the rest of the world is finally catching up to the Linux desktop!
  Is that a troll or a joke? Sometimes it's hard to tell.
  
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  Free Martian Whores!
10. Re:So what? by poofmeisterp · 2012-11-11 04:50 · Score: 1
  
  They're just holding it wrong!
  What's that, they're just beholding it wrong?
11. Re:So what? by aliquis · 2012-11-11 04:57 · Score: 1
  
  A little about each. I don't take Slashdot too seriously. That would be hard. And I like joking. I don't like to be moderated troll but I won't care enough to not joke about it :)
  I run a Linux desktop myself atm :)
12. Re:So what? by fido_dogstoyevsky · 2012-11-11 10:58 · Score: 2
  
  I bet the only people who get this problem are the same people who fold paperback books completely back on themselves when they read them.
  .........I just worked out why my ereader screens keep breaking.
  
  --
  It's NOT a conspiracy... it's a plot.
13. Re:So what? by antdude · 2012-11-11 10:58 · Score: 1
  
  Did Steve Balllmer (can't be Jobs since he's dead) say that? If so, then where's the proof? :P
  
  --
  Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
14. Re:So what? by Waccoon · 2012-11-11 13:34 · Score: 1
  
  They're just testing it wrong.
15. Re:So what? by gmhowell · 2012-11-11 14:42 · Score: 2
  
  I bet the only people who get this problem are the same people who fold paperback books completely back on themselves when they read them.
  Those people deserve everything they get. Especially if they do it to library books.
  
  --
  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
16. Re:So what? by Jane+Q.+Public · 2012-11-11 16:23 · Score: 1
  
  "Good point. Tell you what, how about you buy one and let us know how that works out for you?"
  Why do you think I would have any motivation to report to somebody who associates appreciation for a superior product with cognitive dissonance?
  
  Cognitive dissonance, maybe?
17. Re:So what? by Jane+Q.+Public · 2012-11-11 16:29 · Score: 1
  
  "If you don't like it!"
  Steve would not like that.
  
  (/. would not let me actually quote you... it gave me a "lameness filter" error. Personally, I would not have been so harsh.)
18. Re:So what? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 22:26 · Score: 0
  
  aaw, is the nerdy-werdy going to kwaaai?
Fix-It-Yourself is the new game by siddesu · 2012-11-10 22:33 · Score: 3, Funny

I just glued the screen of my Nexus 7 so that it doesn't squeak, replaced the lens of my iPhone 5 to avoid the purple flare, I'll fix this too. Bring it on!
1. Re:Fix-It-Yourself is the new game by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-10 23:55 · Score: 0
  
  I think you have missed your true calling. Perhaps you should have chosen to use a (relatively open flavor of Linux-powered) Nokia N9. (Although the N9 does very well in these 'basics' so you can relax for quite awhile). However, SOMETIMES you might need to root (i.e. UNLOCK) first, and it takes about 2-3 clicks, starting from the SDK CONNECTIVITY icon...
2. Re:Fix-It-Yourself is the new game by thetoadwarrior · 2012-11-11 00:26 · Score: 1
  
  Which would be fine if the prices were budget prices.
3. Re:Fix-It-Yourself is the new game by davester666 · 2012-11-11 05:23 · Score: 2
  
  You mean a $100 flimsy plastic keyboard that only works with a single device isn't a good value?
  
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  Sleep your way to a whiter smile...date a dentist!
4. Re:Fix-It-Yourself is the new game by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 08:23 · Score: 0
  
  Shhhh...Don't say that too loud or apple will release it's patented "thin single device keyboard" for 399 next week. But it will only work when you hold it exactly with 3 fingers from each hand, at a 13.45 degree angle, facing the northmost corner of a building, after the first wednesday moon of each month.
2 or 3 reports? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-10 22:36 · Score: 2

One article claims 2 users have reported this. The linked thread mentions three. I'm sure that they're may be more, but three reports of problems doesn't seem like a reason to declare a universal flaw yet.
1. Re:2 or 3 reports? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-10 23:39 · Score: 0, Troll
  
  One article claims 2 users have reported this. The linked thread mentions three. I'm sure that they're may be more, but three reports of problems doesn't seem like a reason to declare a universal flaw yet.
  But that must mean that everyone who bought one has a problem!
2. Re:2 or 3 reports? by benjymouse · 2012-11-11 00:25 · Score: 5, Interesting
  
  One article claims 2 users have reported this. The linked thread mentions three. I'm sure that they're may be more, but three reports of problems doesn't seem like a reason to declare a universal flaw yet.
  The position where the cover has been splitting in these instances does seem to be a position under great stress. It is not inconceivable that it is a widespread problem.
  I have been using the Surface extensively with the cover folded back behind the unit (the position putting the most stress on that seam) and mine haven't split (yet). But examining the cover I can definitively see how it could happen, if the cover is not perfectly glued/molded. Not looking forward to confirming this problem :-)
  That said, it is a wonderful device. The touch cover really *is* nice. Folded back it offers a good non-slipping grip on the device. Having an (almost) real keyboard just by dropping the cover on a table is so much more convenient than using the screen keyboard.
  
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3. Re:2 or 3 reports? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:09 · Score: 1
  
  People are still sore about the Xbox 360 Red Ring scandal.
4. Re:2 or 3 reports? by poofmeisterp · 2012-11-11 04:53 · Score: 1
  
  One article claims 2 users have reported this. The linked thread mentions three. I'm sure that they're may be more, but three reports of problems doesn't seem like a reason to declare a universal flaw yet.
  This comment you're reading adds another 174,389 to the numbers. There. Now can we go back to bashing poorly tested and hardware with a bad choice of parts vendors, please?
5. Re:2 or 3 reports? by fredgiblet · 2012-11-11 08:28 · Score: 1
  
  Which wasn't really even a scandal since MS ended up extending the warranty for an additional 2 years to the affected customers.
6. Re:2 or 3 reports? by Jane+Q.+Public · 2012-11-11 16:34 · Score: 1
  
  "I can definitively see how it could happen, if the cover is not perfectly glued/molded."
  Then it should be screwed. And if not, maybe it's screwed. I guess we'll have to see.
This is to be expected for Microsoft by PixetaledPikachu · 2012-11-10 22:47 · Score: 4, Interesting

They have been replacing RROD-ed Xbox360 left and right since releasing it to the market, and it took them 2 to 3 generation for them to solve overheating problem. So expect the cover problem to be resolved at least sometime next year
1. Re:This is to be expected for Microsoft by SomePgmr · 2012-11-11 07:33 · Score: 2
  
  It's possible some of them are just defective, though getting two in a row that have the problem suggests a real flaw.
  I have a first generation Kindle Fire, and a bunch of those came out faulty with noticeable screen ghosting. Amazon just replaced them until you got a good one and dealt with the issue in the background.
  I'm sure someone at Microsoft either knows or is tasked with finding out if this is a design or manufacturing issue. They can't afford for this to go too sideways on them.
2. Re:This is to be expected for Microsoft by Jane+Q.+Public · 2012-11-11 16:36 · Score: 1
  
  "So expect the cover problem to be resolved at least sometime next year"
  And what about their stock. Eh?
BUNCH OF CRY BABIES !! by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-10 22:48 · Score: 0, Funny

Like a little slip of a cover is worth the bitching !! Deal with it !! Live with it !! Take it like a man !! Or are you a little girl crying because her doll's clothing has a wrinkle !!
1. Re:BUNCH OF CRY BABIES !! by MindPrison · 2012-11-10 23:15 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Like a little slip of a cover is worth the bitching !! Deal with it !! Live with it !! Take it like a man !! Or are you a little girl crying because her doll's clothing has a wrinkle !!
  Ballmer, is that you?
  
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  What this world is coming to - is for you and me to decide.
2. Re:BUNCH OF CRY BABIES !! by aakshayee · 2012-11-11 02:05 · Score: 1
  
  Who's asking?
3. Re:BUNCH OF CRY BABIES !! by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 08:04 · Score: 0
  
  Bill! you post here too?
4. Re:BUNCH OF CRY BABIES !! by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 10:05 · Score: 0
  
  Ballmer, is that you?
  It was Steve; he posted on the wrong thread.
Microsoft has been swapping faulty covers for user by Edzilla2000 · 2012-11-10 23:18 · Score: 4, Funny

So, how does that work? You go in with your faulty cover, you leave with a new user? Do you get to choose your user?
It's OK! by martin-boundary · 2012-11-10 23:50 · Score: 2, Funny

It's OK! Users with this problem just have to reboot the tablet and it will be fixed.
lol somebody bought a surface? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 00:24 · Score: 0, Funny

servers you right, sucker!
1. Re:lol somebody bought a surface? by PolygamousRanchKid+ · 2012-11-11 01:56 · Score: 1
  
  servers you right, sucker!
  severs you right, sucker!
  Fix that there for y'all.
  
  --
  Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
No testing? by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 01:07 · Score: 1

Gosh, it took them long enough to come out with a new product, you would think they would of tested it by now.
1. Re:No testing? by Attila+Dimedici · 2012-11-11 01:58 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  This is Microsoft. They are testing it as we speak. What did you think users were for?
  
  --
  The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted. James Madison
2. Re:No testing? by poofmeisterp · 2012-11-11 04:54 · Score: 0
  
  This is Microsoft. They are testing it as we speak. What did you think users were for?
  Aw, snap!
  I'd mod this up if I didn't comment already.
3. Re:No testing? by Billly+Gates · 2012-11-11 06:58 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Which is percisely why I am sticking with Windows 7 and Office 2010. MS is still used to being a monopoly where they do not have to worry about their image shattered with a bad product release. Just make it better next time and eventually it will take over.
  IE, Windows, NT, and even Office, were not overnight sellers and did suck. It seems MS is like the linux kernel with releases of hardware and software where new exciting but not fully baked ideas need to get rushed out. Sucks? Consumers tell us how and we fix it later etc.
  Windows 8 Metro is not a bad concept. It just does not integrate well with the desktop and there is not taskbar or multitasking friendly tiles such as putting more than one tile on the screen outside of Metro etc. Windows 9 will fix this for sure .... hopefully??
  Users these days will just buy an IPAD or a Droid after this. MS can't do what they did in the past and use file compatibility games to enforce Windows/Office. Netscape is not going out of business forcing us to use IE 6. We have 2 other browsers and if IE sucks we can switch etc.
  The world is changing and MS should do more QA internally and worry about image more.
  
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So far so good. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 03:46 · Score: 0

I just checked mine and it looks solid. I don't even see how a split could happen. Seems like a solid piece of rubbery plastic.
MS needs to use Foxconn.. by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 03:49 · Score: 0

Foxconn knows how to beat its workers to death if a seam on one of the products they made split...
Maybe Apple does have it right. (sic)
You are typing on it wrong! by Lisias · 2012-11-11 05:50 · Score: 1

Nuff Said.

--
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Uh oh ... by PPH · 2012-11-11 06:00 · Score: 1

... Now Apple is going to sue!

--
Have gnu, will travel.
Designed that way by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 06:03 · Score: 0

Microsoft made no compromises when they designed the Surface. The keyboard cover was designed to split after light use to enable the consumer to buy additional $100 replacement covers.
At least Apple ... by PPH · 2012-11-11 06:06 · Score: 3, Funny

... accounted for different use cases.

--
Have gnu, will travel.
So far so good here... by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 06:17 · Score: 0

My work provide me with a Surface RT and I have been using it daily for more than two weeks with no visible wear yet. Could be a fluke, I certainly do not think 3 reported issues mean their is a systemic problem.
Jorgie
Get off my lawn! by Anonymous Coward · 2012-11-11 06:19 · Score: 0

Way to be on the ball /. - this was on most other tech sites two days ago.
Slashdot - news that mattered.. days ago.
Sensors in it? by gr8_phk · 2012-11-11 13:54 · Score: 1

Seriously? They put inertial sensors in an add-on instead of in the device itself? I guess in the PC world you never know what hardware configuration people have and they wanted to carry that over.... dumb.
1. Re:Sensors in it? by benjymouse · 2012-11-12 00:26 · Score: 2
  
  Seriously? They put inertial sensors in an add-on instead of in the device itself? I guess in the PC world you never know what hardware configuration people have and they wanted to carry that over.... dumb.
  The sensors are so that the Surface device (not the cover) can figure out when you fold the cover back. They also assist the screen orientation logic. For instance, when you attach the cover, the keyboard and trackpad will be active until you fold it back past apx 200 degrees (0 degrees being fully closed). After that the Surface will assume that you are folding the cover back and will disable the keyboard and trackpad so that you do not inadvertently press the keys when holding .
  When the keyboard *is* active the Surface will force screen orientation to landscape, regardless of its internal sensors.
  Maybe you'll have to experience this to fully understand, but it actually makes a lot of sense.
  The Surface has it's own set of sensors. It certainly does not rely on the sensors in the cover to figure out it's orientation etc.
  
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Loose tiles by cpghost · 2012-11-11 23:14 · Score: 1

Loose Microsoft tiles eventually peel off, and break. Welcome to the hardware edition to Windows 8!

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