Posted on 01/22/2011 2:10:23 PM PST by NoLibZone
Apple is replacing iPhone screws -- but it may be the consumers who are really getting screwed.
In line with its infamous philosophy of maintaining absolute control over its products, sources said U.S. Apple stores are replacing screws on iPhone 4s brought for servicing with tamper-proof screws to prevent anyone else from opening the device.
Kyle Wiens, chief executive of iFixit, a prominent Apple repair and parts supplier, said the purpose of the new screws is to keep people out of the iPhone and prevent them from replacing the battery. He said he noticed in November that screws were being switched.
"If you took your car in for service and they welded your hood shut, you wouldn't be very happy," he said, comparing it to shutting owners out of their iPhones.
IFixit, based in San Luis Obispo, California, has become famous in the technology world for performing "teardowns" of Apple devices, often within hours or minutes of a new product launch. The company promotes repair to cut down on electronic waste that goes to landfills.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/01/21/apple-iphones-unremovable-pentalobe-screws/#ixzz1BnwEDmfc
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Perhaps someone needs to drop a dime and give the FTC Antitrust Div. a call.
If something can be screwed (mechanical) it can be unscrewed.
Good point. The best they can probably do is alter the shape of the screw so the typical types of screwdrivers can’t work with it. I found a few screws like that on my car when I was installing something...had to borrow a special tool from somebody who works on cars and other equipment.
Sad.
I love Apple. I have three Iphone4’s. They are great.
But apple has a long history of closing off its architecture.
My first PC was a Mac IIci.
As users became more adept , Apple’s closed architecture made PC hobbyists move to what was called an IBM PC.
And when you or others make that call, exactly how do you explain that this practice violates "antitrust" laws?
How specifically should Apple's practice of selecting certain screws be considered a "monopolistic" activity?
Please.
It won’t be long until someone starts selling the tool for it to someone other than Apple...
The screwdrivers will be on eBay in a matter of minutes.
I’d just use a bigger hammer on it.
One way that you can be tracked as to your movements is through your cell phone. The only way you can’t be tracked is to remove the battery. Interesting.
Time to go down to Harbor Freight and buy a package of security bits. They sell a large set of all the common security screw bits for about $10.
customers can only get unscrewed by free themselves of their cult like devotion to Apple.
Apples strongest marketing suit over the years has been the promotion of non-Apple products.
Why? If you don’t like this policy, don’t buy an iPhone. Nobody’s forcing you.
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