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Surface tablet's Touch Cover splits at seam, users gripe

People are complaining that the Touch Cover peels loose at the edge where it connects to the tablet. Microsoft says it's "aware of a small number of instances."

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
2 min read
CBS Interactive

Microsoft's Surface Touch Cover could be suffering from a defect, according to several users.

Folks over at the Surface Forums are complaining that the Touch Cover splits at a seam near to where it magnetically connects to Microsoft's Surface slate. One user in that forum, "Br1an_g," said that the cover "in the middle at the join to the screen is peeling," adding that it appears the "top layer has come loose and is ruffling up." Other users confirmed they were experiencing similar issues.

According to the Guardian, which was first to report on the issue, Matthew Baxter-Reynolds, a Windows developer, has also complained of the problem.

Microsoft appears to be willing to address the problem. People in the Surface forums have said that they have contacted Microsoft about the issue and are being given a replacement cover. Whether those new covers will suffer the same fate, however, remains to be seen.

In an e-mailed statement to CNET, a Microsoft representative said that the company is aware of the issue and those affected should contact Customer Support for help.

"Microsoft makes every effort to ensure our customers receive a high quality product," the spokesperson told CNET. "We are in active contact with our Customer Support operations and are aware of a small number of instances of material separation. Customers can contact Microsoft Customer Support if they have any questions."

Microsoft's Surface slate launched in late October. That customers are already seeing some issues with the Touch Cover, which works as a stand, screen protector, and keyboard, is troublesome. However, just because there are some folks who are experiencing issues and telling others about it in forums, it doesn't mean that it's a widespread problem.

Update 8:31 a.m. PT to include Microsoft's statement.

Watch this: Unboxing the Microsoft Surface tablet