Posted on 03/30/2022 8:53:50 AM PDT by George from New England
Back in the day, just about everything that used a battery had a hatch or a hutch that you could open to pull it out and replace it if need be. Whether it was a radio, a cordless phone, or a cellphone, it was a cinch to swap out a battery.
These days, many devices hide their batteries, deep beneath tamper-proof stickers and warnings that state there are “no user serviceable components inside.” The EU wants to change all that, though, and has voted to mandate that everything from cellphones to e-bikes must have easily replaceable batteries, with the legislation coming into effect as soon as 2024. ...
I have an Apple iPod that won't hold a decent charge. It's also not getting much support from Apple. Forced obsolescence, yet it looks as good as the day it left the factory. No scratches. I'm annoyed that the device is not maintainable.
I just purchased an Apple iPad Air. 10.9" display. 256 GB storage. My original iPad Air is about the same size. 64 GB storage. Not getting updates from Apple. More obsolescence, yet the device is spotless. The only thing wrong with it is age.
I welcome the prospect of the return of replaceable batteries. Likewise, a better strategy of support would be welcome. Especially at a time when manufacturing new electronics is getting difficult due to supply chain problems.
You really had to dig for that one. Kudos to you. Must make you feel really good about yourself.
Hey what about user replaceable cpus and screens? They really knew how to make stuff in the 90s and 00s! Let’s go back! Why not?
Yeah, my Pixel 6 can go two full days with heavy use. That’s the first phone I’ve actually been happy with in that regard.
Most of those Iphones require special super tiny tools to simply replace the battery. I've done it as well, but most people will not attempt it.
Well, he’s changed a dozen of them. He’s probably found a way to wedge an SD card into them too, because he’s such a 31337 iph0n3 h4x0r.
We purchased dozens of iPad Minis to run a specific app for our company. They still run perfectly except they won't update to a newer version. So now the app won't work either.
Apple is FORCING us to purchase new iPads. I want my money back. Fckn thieves!
I ran some quickie experiments on homemade using a metal lunch box, a high quality Dutch oven, and a couple of other things I had around the house...
What worked best: a many layered bag made of heavy duty aluminum...Foil.
What about the 3G shut down ?
A year ago T-Mobile bought out Sprint.
We had a cell service that uses Sprint 3G towers. T-Mobile shut down the Sprint 3G a week ago. The upgrade path with this provider made us replace moto e phones with another brand. 4G I guess.
Our rural location has NO SIGNAL from T-Mobile. So how is this good for the USA ?
Shutting down 3G for us means termination of cell service in 34602 countryside.
Big industry may benefit in urban areas, and our govt is allowing them to SHUT DOWN in rural areas.
Microwave ovens are Faraday cages.
I have a yuge handbag, but not that big! ;-)
Tandy TRS-80 Model 4
All the money I could have saved if either of these was fully European regulation compliant!!
Removing the battery means that the government can’t use it to track you even when it is turned off. That’s why the manufacturers had to design the phones with non-removable batteries.
These days, most people won’t attempt to change a lightbulb, or a tire, or a smoke detector battery...
Think maybe the market has spoken? People don’t want to change batteries? Being on the side of the EU government is not something to admit to....
Sounds like you want a bigger government doing more things for you.
I can’t believe I’m seeing someone actually write such drivel. Should we allow car manufacturers to put gas pedals and steering wheels anywhere they want? We need some standardization and a standard replaceable battery is a good thing for all of us.
The battery removal trick to disable a phone can be circumvented by adding a tiny on board battery to maintain minimal function. Like the coin cells soldered to a PC main board.
Innovation by regulation. Let’s bring back 5-year plans next. They worked so well last century.
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