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Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

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Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#201
post #195

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There are 195 countries in the world, 23 in North America. There are 24 countries with Apple stores, 2 in North America. So, there are 172 countries not in North America, 22 of which have at least one Apple Store. So, “most countries outside of North America don't have a single Apple Store” is true, though it's even more true that most countries in North America don't have a single Apple store.

How are there 23 countries in North America?

Caribbean and Central America.

Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#202

The iMac Pro is similarly locked down. All while Apple fights against Right To Repair legislation.

It's absolutely baffling how so many seemingly educated, knowledgeable people such as those found in tech can support these anti-user practices via their support of Apple's products. It goes further than just Apple's hardware products: some people prefer to build "Hackintosh" systems (OSX running on non-Apple hardware) and a common problem is dealing with wifi-adapter whitelists. Why would you ever want to consider u…

Because, other than these restrictions, macOS is _that good_. Or was.

I moved to Fedora on my desktop since then, but I do miss macOS often.

Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#203

Back when end users could replace (upgrade) RAM and storage, I cared about keeping that flexibility. Now those are soldered to the motherboard and generally non-upgradeable from the start. This change affects “display assembly, logic board, top case (the keyboard, touchpad, and internal housing), and Touch ID board”. I could see wanting an alternate, after-market keyboard, but otherwise am happy to stick with Apple p…

> Back when end users could replace (upgrade) RAM and storage They still can, by purchasing an older laptop or newer "business class" device. A 2011 Sandy-bridge Thinkpad is perfectly usable even today, and is serviceable in most aspects from battery, SATA/PCIe slots, aftermarket display, and even the CPU on some models. > Now those are soldered to the motherboard and generally non-upgradeable from the start. Which i…

My p51 has upgradable storage, an extra slot for more m2 storage and I can double the ram.

The obvious tradeoff is that it is heavier and thicker than similar machines. Also the power brick is gigantic.

Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#204

I just replaced the keyboards in two older (2011 and 2013) long out-of-warranty MacBook Pros. Both required the complete disassembly of the machine. One fix cost about $150 in parts and the other was less. If I'd been required to let Apple do the work, each machine's repair would have cost at least $500, and that assumes Apple would even have been willing to repair such old machines. Apple just gave me yet another re…

I had a 2013 Samsung ATIV Book and when the keys began to fail, I attempted to replace the keyboard. This is something that took So this isn't a problem limited to Apple, apparently most manufacturers decided that devices need to be as unfixable as possible.

Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#205

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This security improvement will make me safer If society as a whole constantly falls for the "security" argument then it won't be long before every aspect of your life is controlled by some central entity. I feel obligated to bring up that timeless quote again: "Those who give up freedom for security deserve neither."

That argument is slightly lazy, in that it applies to far too many situations where it's obviously wrong... Looking both ways before crossing the street does not make my life controlled by some central entity, etc..

You do not give up any right when you look both ways before crossing the street. Which other situations you can suggest?

Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#206

I'm actually a little disappointed in Apple's service considering the cost of their hardware and the cost of AppleCare. Back in the 80s and 90s many companies excellent service was you'd call customer support, they'd express ship you a replacement for free and you'd send back the broken item. They would take your credit card number just in case you didn't send the broken item back but otherwise it was on their dime.…

Are MacBooks really that expensive? The MacBook Pro retina with 516ssd is a lot cheaper than the Microsoft surface book and around similar to the XSP, but the XSP is much lower quality.

An i9 macbook pro is 3100 with Applecare and tax its 3800. If you don't buy the Applecare they can charge you whatever they like to fix it because you wont be able to take it elsewhere. Have fun when a new battery costs you $250.

Regarding the XPS with 6 cores, 16GB ram, 512 ssd it still comes in closer to 2K you could bank the extra 1800 and use part of it to have it fixed if you dropped it.

The surface laptop 2 seems to start at around 1K doesn't appear to be the in the same ballpark although with integrated graphics, a lesser display, and lesser processor it also doesn't look to be in the same class.

Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#207
post #93

The impact of this will be much bigger outside of the US, as most countries outside of North America do not have a single Apple Store. In those countries, usually there is a licensed repair provider, but the customer experience can be drastically different. In Bulgaria, I've had to wait of over 3 weeks for a simple in-warranty repair of a MacBook, like a keyboard replacement. Using unlicensed repair stores has been t…

The three Apple Stores in The Netherlands so popular that it is impossible to even get an appointment at the Genius Bar. You’ll have to wait for new slots to become available at the end of their 7-day window. When you finally have your appointment after a week there’s usually another 20min+ minute wait before the busy Geniuses can speak to you.

Fortunately common iOS repairs (like a display replacement) can often be done on the same day. The situation for MacBooks is a lot worse however, with many days of just waiting for parts.

Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#208
post #93

The impact of this will be much bigger outside of the US, as most countries outside of North America do not have a single Apple Store. In those countries, usually there is a licensed repair provider, but the customer experience can be drastically different. In Bulgaria, I've had to wait of over 3 weeks for a simple in-warranty repair of a MacBook, like a keyboard replacement. Using unlicensed repair stores has been t…

In the Philippines, Macbooks that need servicing (e.g. the "free" keyboard repair offer for the 2016-2018 Macbooks) need to be shipped all the way to Singapore. Estimated waiting time: 4 weeks. At least it's free I guess.

Re: Apple's Proprietary Software Locks Kill Independent Repair on New MacBook Pros

#209

When I upgraded my MacBook Air, I decided to try switching away from Apple. Primarily because the new MBP’s & Air’s were expensive, and all the new feature which made them expensive were things I didn’t want or need. I also wanted to give Linux another shot. I went for a Dell XPS, and while there are things I don’t like (primarily keyboard & trackpad) I’ve got used to them. (Keyboard still shits me). But, when the mo…

That option for on-site tech support is pretty good, but very very expensive.
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