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I didn't read the article, but I think I know what the author is getting at? Right now that fancy watch on your bosses wrist looks great while the wheels are t
by marincounty 11y ago
I didn't read the article, but I think I know what the author is getting at?
Right now that fancy watch on your bosses wrist looks great while the wheels are turning. Once they stop, the person will need to send the watch to an expensive trip to the factory. Why, because these companies don't sell parts to independent watch repairers. That watch is essential a lease from the company.
That automobile, with the propiority operating system, breaks down. Independent auto repair shops have no legal right to buy the repair codes--let alone fiddle with the computers. All those fancy features break. People are being forced to bring their ailing automobile to expensive Dealerships. The tech has gotten so complicated, even dealership mechanics are learning on your dime. I know this for a fact. My best buddy is a dealership mechanic.
So, it's not just computers/electronics. I'm big on repair. I don't like this throw away society. If you don't have the knowledge/skills to repair a gadget--that's fine. If you are locked out of the system, can't get the schematics, or can't get parts--that just wrong?
I'm fine with not allowing a customer to fiddle with a gadget when in warranty, but after that warranty ends, they should be able to repair their Gadget?
- icebraining 11y agoI don't think the watch example is valid; it's not an artificial restriction like hidden repair codes or patented screws, they simply don't sell the product (extra parts) you want.
- jdmichal 11y agoI told him the same thing yesterday: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10184926 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10184926
- Dylan16807 11y agoThey make the parts, keep stock of the individual parts, and do sell the parts... but only if you buy it in a bundle with a hundred others. It is an extremely artificial restriction.
- icebraining 11y agoAre furniture shops in the wrong if they refuse to sell wood, as used in their products?
- Dylan16807 11y agoThat has nothing to do with prefab parts.
- icebraining 11y agoFine, then what about parts of furniture? A leg of a chair, for example.
- Dylan16807 11y agoThat's sort of a bad fit because of relative amount, but if legs are cheap and detachable, and they offer a $100 service that will fix a broken leg, they're being jerks if they won't just sell you a $20 leg.