simple (smartdumb) way to prevent Surface cover from tearing

[rorrr]

just put the cover on backwards. like so

when you use the Surface in "tablet mode," you generally either fold open the cover (2nd image on left) or remove it completely. folding the cover* puts a lot of stress on the seams and can eventually cause a tear, which exposes the keyboard's internals (3rd image on left). however, you can simply connect the cover backwards and there is absolutely no strain on the cover. as a bonus, you won't feel the keys when you hold the tablet.

*btw this is an intended use as Microsoft showed in several demos how the keyboard automatically disables itself when folded back. I assume they'll modify the "hinge" for the next TouchCover.