Tennessee Bans Unfixable Surface Pro Laptop During Bar Exams

For anyone hoping that they could take their brand new Surface Pro laptop when taking the bar exams in Tennessee, there’s bad news. The state just barred the use of the gadget during the period and anyone caught using one will be immediately ejected. Perhaps they would be better off buying something else instead, especially since the Surface Pro is apparently unfixable.

To be more specific, it would seem that the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners is banning the Surface Pro because of its operating system, which is the Windows 10 Creator Update. The exam apparently uses the screening software called SofTest, which does not support the new Windows OS format, The Verge reports.

Examiners could still technically use their Surface Pro units as long as they make the necessary compatibility settings. Once the exams are underway, the takers are also expected to turn off the automatic updates of their respective devices.

Aside from the problem with the laptops, it would seem that 2-in-1 devices won’t be allowed during the exams either. These are basically laptops with detachable screens, which effectively turn them into tablets. Anyone who doesn’t follow the rules will be ejected from the examination room.

On that note, it would seem that the 2017 Surface Pro Laptop is a bit of a downer anyway. According to Ars Technica, the device is a repair technician’s nightmare and is apparently held together by glue. During tests, it would appear that many of the things that will need to be done to open the device for repairs are irreversible.

Without external screws, for example, testers have had to peel away at certain parts, which could not be undone. Even if the repairs themselves are perfect, the laptop will not look the same. Perhaps if it’s sent to Microsoft, the company’s own technicians could work some magic to preserve the appearance, but good luck getting the same results from third-party service providers.