The obvious problem facing owners of the Surface Book is its age. Microsoft rolled out the original Book way back on October 26, 2015. This means the device is over four years old… not covered by warranty. One post on AskWoody suggested the company would replace the faulty batteries if they have them in stock. That’s partially true but with a huge caveat. Microsoft’s support staff have told customers that they will replace the batteries, but only under the terms the devices are out of warranty. This means a replacement battery will cost a massive $599. Naturally, users are not happy about this, especially as it seems to be a defect that is causing the problem, not simply how the device has been used.
Possible Replacement
However, in a twist, one customer on AskWoody said they took their troubled Surface Book to a Microsoft Store. While at the physical location, he insisted the battery be replaced. After a brief discussion, he claims he received a replacement Surface Book. “After telling me that I needed an appointment, she relented and made a ticket for me and listened to my argument regarding why I NEEDED a replacement from this defective computer that was broken and dangerous…through NO fault of my own. After about 20 mins of me explaining that I was NOT leaving without a new computer and that I would stand outside the store (in the mall) and tell anyone who listened why MS computers were defective…she went back to “check” with her manager,” the Surface Book owner explains. “She returned a bit later to tell me that she did have one in stock to replace mine.” Okay, I am probably going to call BS on that story, unless the Microsoft employee worked outside her authority. Either way, Microsoft has yet to officially confirm this issue even exists. And the best course of action for customers experiencing the problem is to contact the company.
