this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2023
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I still do think that the bill is more about having the right to repair from more sources, as opposed to the right to an easy repair. I definitely do encourage devices to be engineered in a way that allows them to be repaired by as many people as possible, and that the skills to work with hardware should definitely be taught more in schools. But I still think that there's a lot of people who don't know the whole process of finding decent quality parts, and will just stoop to somewhere like Wish or AliExpress for something like a battery because they don't feel like paying for something they don't fully understand, they just know that they need a new one. And then put themselves at risk if the battery in question wasn't made up to the correct safety standards. So I do think it's somewhat of a responsibility to warn people about shopping for parts. But there should definitely be less restrictions on Apple hardware and the law should be rewritten to put price caps on genuine parts to keep them within reach of most people.
Starting with the consumer themselves.
This is starting to sound a lot like the time the auto manufacturer tried to void warranties if the cars were to be taken to anywhere but the official service.
Ford, VW, Volvo, Renault, Mercedes and BMW had their asses handed to them by the EU as it was deemed lockout: the owner had the right to seek service wherever they wanted and get parts from what ever source they chose.
Not to start on the implications of disloyal competition...
Anyone should be able to buy anything wherever they choose.
If someone finds a better deal on a chinese retailer, good. If the part turns out good, better. If not, learn the lesson and try again.
It's a bit iffy to argue on the basis of poor or absent safety standards. Unless we are speaking of going out to find the dingiest shop on an online retailer, 99% of manufactured goods follow the same standards.
Yes, bad batches exist but batteries are one of those things where counterfeiting is not worth the trouble; the moment the parts can be sourced from any number of manufacturers, all will go by similar quality.
I'm all in favor in limiting commercial margins but even I consider meddling when it comes to law setting prices to consumer goods.
In the end, only those who want to will buy. Yes, Apple products are basically highway robbery but nobody is being forced to buy the crap they make nor need it to survive.
It's a phone, not food, fuel or shelter. If it's too expensive, buy cheaper.