Dell XPS 10 Easiest Tablet to Tinker With: Report

A few weeks ago I passed along an iFixit report which found that Microsoft's new Surface Pro tablet computer was harder to repair than an Apple iPad.

With the Surface Pro employing a battery glued to the frame and more than seventy small screws, iFixit was forced to discourage readers from ever opening the device for home repairs.

Now, iFixit has released a new report that ranks tablet computers based on their 'repairability.' Important factors considered in determining a repairability score include the number of screws and amount of glue used to keep a device together.

Surface Pro, iPad 2-4 Receive Dismal Scores

First, what we know: Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet, which scored just 1 out of 10 for repairability, finished at the bottom of iFixit's rankings. Just above the Surface Pro was Apple's iPad, with a score of 2 out of 10. (Source: latimes.com)

However, it should be noted that the latter score applies to the iPad 2, 3, and 4 only. The original iPad was found to be considerably easier to repair and scored a 6 out of 10.

At the top of iFixit's list with a score of 9 out of 10 was Dell's 10.1-inch XPS 10 tablet PC, which runs Microsoft's Windows RT operating system. According to iFixit, the XPS 10 uses a "modular, clean design throughout" that "makes use of ZIF connectors and cables."

That means it's easy to identify vital components and connections.

XPS 10 Features Long-Lasting, Easily Disconnected Battery

Furthermore, the XPS 10 has a battery that iFixit found to be "very easy to remove," largely because -- unlike the Surface Pro -- it isn't glued to any critical components. (Source: pcmag.com)

Also, just 20 standard Phillips screws are used to keep the XPS 10 together, meaning there's far less hassle involved in taking the device apart.

It should also be noted that the XPS 10's battery is very long-lasting. In a recent test by PC World's Joel Santo Domingo, the XPS 10 was found to offer the best battery life of any tablet on the market right now. (Source: pcmag.com)

Also scoring high in iFixit's repairability test: the Amazon Kindle Fire, Dell Streak, Motorola Xoom, and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. Each received a score of 8 out of 10.