Discussion on:

Microsoft Surface built solid, but design lacks polish

When I first read the title, I thought to myself: everyone I've showed it to has loved the design. It wasn't clear from the title that this was in reference to a build/tear down design review. I do notice a fair bit of screws on the back of the device when I pop up the kickstand...not that I really care about that cause they're almost always hidden but after using a plastic Series 7 that's a little too flexible (especially after holding Surface RT), I really appreciate the extra rigidity that I 'think' all of those screws are providing.

I say relatively due to the USB 2.0 port. USB 3.0 has been out long enough that no new machine should ever come with any USB 2.0 ports anymore. Especially on those with more than one port. Then you don't have to think about which port you need to use to plug in your USB 3.0 device.

It may not be necessary, but it would be nice to know if the RAM can be upgraded beyond 2GB. Maybe 2GB is all it needs.

I think I would be inclined to go with the Pro version since it can do more. I understand the Pro model is aimed at business, but why it doesn't have an HDMI port is a mystery to me.

I look forward to your teardown of the Pro model.