Microsoft Says It Will Replace Defective Surface Tablet Covers

Microsoft Corp. said a small number of covers for its Surface tablet computer are prone to splitting after two weeks or less in users’ hands and that it’s replacing the defective ones.

The company is “aware of a small number of instances of material separation” of the cover accessory, Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft said in an e-mailed statement. The cover serves a protective jacket for the Surface, the tablet computer released last month. “Microsoft makes every effort to ensure our customers receive a high quality product.”