Surface Cover Problems: You’re Clicking It Wrong

OK, so maybe the touch cover isn't perfect

With reports, ahem, surfacing that Microsoft’s Surface with Windows RT tablet is suffering from an embarrassing and potentially serious issue, I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention it. According to complaints on Microsoft’s support web site, the device’s near-required touch cover could be shoddily made, with users reporting splitting in the area where the cover meets the hinge.

Maybe you're just clicking it wrong.

The splitting seems to occur most frequently when you place the touch cover under the Surface, bending it around backwards as a sort of base. It’s unclear if this is officially-sanctioned usage, however, with Microsoft’s Surface web site showing the normal laptop-style usage only.

For the record, I’ve not experienced this issue, which of course means that it’s completely invented. (Kidding, kidding.) But looking at the shots of split covers, it appears that the weak spot is right in the middle, below the Windows Key button on the device in this shot:

The good news? Microsoft says it will replace faulty touch covers without any cost to users.

Discuss this Article 12

Kingbee13
on Nov 12, 2012

I use my surface in that flipped back configuration a lot. I noticed that it was beginning to separate, now I just connect the cover backwards, so the kickstand is resting on the keys. I'm glad Microsoft is replacing the covers, but it a little user care the splitting is avoidable. Mine didn't split but it was bulging.

Ritchie Dioneda
on Nov 12, 2012

At the Microsoft Store, they actually demonstrated that you could use it with the keyboard flipped all the way back as a base. But then again, I have not been impressed with MS Store associates at every visit.

billreiss
on Nov 12, 2012

I'm pretty sure Panos highlighted this configuration when giving his talk on launch day.

ken1ceo
on Nov 12, 2012

Panos did show this use at the launch event showing how the Surface could be used in your lap or while laying in bed.

mherges25
on Nov 12, 2012

Mine hasn't split at all, but I have noticed that it has difficulty registering as connected and needs to be pulled and reconnected. It tends to happen most when I come out of stand by. I'd put it at about 1 times in 3 or 4, that this happens so, about 25 - 33%.

dalestrauss
on Nov 12, 2012

Guess I'm stupid, but WHY would you ever use the Surface in this manner? Just pull of the keyboard and kick-back with the kickstand. I'm looking forward to the Surface Pro, and am a heavy pen user with OneNote, but except for quick notes I can't understand why you'd fold it all the way back behind the tablet.

pthurrott
on Nov 12, 2012

It's touted as the ideal way to hold this thing on your lap.

skisagooner
on Nov 13, 2012

I'd hate to remove the cover from my Surface. The only reason I'd remove the cover is so that I could attach it upside down.

(Can you attach it upside down? So that when you close it, the keyboard faces outwards. I didn't get a chance to do a hands on with the Surface given its availability...)

Arif
on Nov 12, 2012

it looks like the split occurs right were the flexible circuit board that connects the keyboard to the tablet is located. Since flexible circuit board is a little rigid it might be pushing the cover up. My touch cover did that after the first day and Microsoft store did replace it without any problem. It has been about 14 days since I got the replacement touch cover and so far so good. However I see a little bulge in the same spot but no split ...(yet).

mhenasey
on Nov 12, 2012

I have a red touch cover. Its splitting. Noticed this a few days after using it. Until it becomes a real issue, its fine. Its more of a bulge than a split and really doesn't affect anything and is hardly noticeable.

skisagooner
on Nov 13, 2012

Refering to the picture where the kick stand rests on the outside of the touch cover, that was exactly the trouble I had in mind when Microsoft announced the Surface. Is the device meant to be used in that fashion?

jxff
on Feb 24, 2013

One of the reasons for getting the first tabs to roll off the assembly line is the joy of having that item you have anticipated. Another joy is bonding with issues only common to a relative hip group.

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