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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

#331

Post by alkimie2 »

ramijames wrote: post #308

As someone who have four macbooks here at home, and has been on the mac ecosystem for decades, I'm just done with them. The last macbook pro I bought is literal garbage. The keyboard has three broken buttons and the thing is less than a year old. Now they are telling me that I can't fix my machines on my own? Thanks but no thanks.

My sentiments exactly. Windoze has largely caught up in terms of usability and lack of annoyance. The difference is the attitude. MSFT has become what Apple once was--responsive and considerate of users that have different needs and tastes. My company kind of forced me off OSX but I don't miss it. Still have 3 macbooks and 2 mini's at home. But I've also started using old W-class thinkpads. I feel much more in control of the thinkpads. Plus they are cheap as dirt and don't fight me every time I want to change something.

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

#332

Post by tushar-r »

foepys wrote: post #181
RileyJames wrote: post #168

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…

For this reason MacBooks aren't really business devices in my opinion. What kind of business is okay with the service Apple provides? You have to send one employee to the Apple Store (if there is even one located near you), maybe get a replacement device, maybe wait for 2 weeks for it to return? This is so much more expensive than buying Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc. with on-site support. On top of that you often get repair…

>What kind of business is okay with the service Apple provides?

Bunch of large enterprises do this and contract the service/management to people like IBM. Employees demand it and these days are likely to get Macs as an option.

I've been using a 2014 rMBP for the last 3 years at my job. Getting a Dell for my refresh next month. Dont want to keep fighting with MS Office on Mac anymore.

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

#333

Post by colordrops »

wilsonnb3 wrote: post #323
colordrops wrote: post #194

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Their whole "privacy" campaign recently is precisely to drum up business. Everyone is parroting how Apple is so focused on privacy when they forget that they work closely with the FBI. Remember the whole thing about iMessage keeping encryption keys stored on apple servers? iPhones have a mics, a camera, and access to all your personal data. Calling apple strong on privacy is like calling lions strong on vegetarianism…

My only knowledge of Apple and the FBI is Apple refusing to unlock iPhones at the FBi’s request - care to enlighten me further? I’m also not sure what the problem with Apple keeping iMessage encryption keys on their servers is. The article I read about it said that Signal also uses centralized encryption key servers and nobody ever complains about Signal. https://www.wired.com/2015/09/apple-fighting-privacy-imessag..…

I've complained about signal in the past as well. Everyone uses signal and telegram like they are some kind of special secret place which is an illusion. They are more likely honey pots.

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

#334

Post by lotsofpulp »

raesene9 wrote: post #298
petepete wrote: post #262

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But I'm not prepared to have Candy Crush adverts in my Start Menu, which counts Windows out. Additionally, I know I can deactivate them by jumping through a couple of hoops, but that's not the point.

Out of curiousity, why do you feel that's not the point? Customizing an operating system after installation is a common part of the process for any system Having to remove unwanted software seems like an odd reason to rule out an entire environment.

Because it shows their willingness to throw the consumer under a bus for an extra dollar. Luckily I have an option (Apple, even though they pulled that bullshit U2 music album move). Unfortunately, I don’t see any other option in the market.

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

#335

Post by nickflood »

thinkling wrote: post #46

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…

Check out the XPS 15 9570 (2018 version), it has wi-fi card, SSD and RAM all slotted and standard form-factor. And every other part is cheap and available to be bought and replaced if not by you, then by anyone who has the skill. Apple and other manufacturers make it hard to believe that a slick light modern laptop can't be easy to repair, but it in fact can be, if you engineer it to be serviced on-site.

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

#336

Post by danpalmer »

muse900 wrote: post #169
andr wrote: 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…

Totally agree, and the more I think about it, the more I feel that apple products have started becoming inaccessible to me too. From what I understand they want to protect their brand by building quality and repairing with quality as well. Issue is that they are lacking on employees for what they want to do. A week ago I was in the apple store in London, a guy next to me bought one of their new flagships through o2 a…

If it’s added as “Dead on Arrival” then O2 would have to give him a replacement right there. If it was classed as breaking after arrival due to a manufacturing defect then yep it’s up to O2 to do their repair process which sounds ridiculously long, but normal for phone companies. He would essentially be not accepting the phone, rather than accepting and returning.

The phone companies might try to push him into the return process so that they can sell the phone that would have replaced it to another customer, but they aren’t supposed to, and will change their mind when you push back and tell them your rights.

This is one of the reasons why I only buy my Apple products from Apple, their service is far better than this, although has declined in recent years.

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

#337

Post by wild_preference »

jillesvangurp wrote: post #217
andr wrote: 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…

Given how hard these things are getting to repair and how long it takes, I think you could argue that Apple should just offer to replace faulty devices with new ones. Having a pro device out of action for more than a week is just not acceptable. If it breaks, I want to have the replacement up and running ASAP. If Apple can then repair and refurbish the original at their own leisurely pace, fine. That will also put th…

FWIW I brought my 2017 MBP in for keyboard repair in Houston and had a new one mailed to me after a day. Had a whole new front panel. I left impressed with the service and the ability to digitally book with a face-to-face human.

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

#338

Post by [deleted] »

chiefalchemist wrote: post #318
tobyhinloopen wrote: post #304

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I hope we get a "right to repair" law in EU, where the seller is required by law to provide repairability services next to their regular warranties. That means that, as a seller, you must provide a service to repair (and replacement parts) for "reasonable" prices for anything you sell. For example, if you're selling notebooks, you must be able to provide notebook parts and repair as well for the products you sell. Co…

Maintainability is a feature, so to speak. Another option would be to purchase the product that best fits your needs, including warranty, repair, parts, upgrading, etc. If Brand A decides it's best to not provide Feature X and you __need__ Feature X, then you can decide that Brand A isn't for you. If anything should be legislated it should be publishing the details about warranty coverage, average cost or repair, mos…

[deleted]

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

#339

Post by tonyedgecombe »

bigbugbag wrote: post #263
tonyedgecombe wrote: post #227

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Compare that to the Android world, my last Android phone got one update after 6 months and that was it.

Push the comparison further, maybe you can apply an aftermarket firmware with less junk, more fixes and latest updates to your device (if you chose it wisely) you cannot do so with an apple device.

Like most people I have zero interest in installing an alternative operating system on my phone.

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

#340

Post by userbinator »

expathacker wrote: post #228

I love OS X, but nowadays I can't stand Apple's hardware. Living outside of the US, using Mac products purchased in the US means you have to go to third-party repair shops. Last week I took my 1-year old, $2,500 MBP to an Apple store in Istanbul, only to find out that Applecare doesn't work here, and a replacement screen would cost me $650 (thanks to super high import taxes). Tomorrow I'm taking it to a 3rd-party rep…

Hackintosh is surprisingly easy these days if you find the right hardware.

Running a "virtual Mac" in a VM is even easier.

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