4 ms·

What would it even mean to "retain the stolen status" if you can reuse it normally?

tmikaeld 3y ago
I mean that when you use the mac with the stolen disk, the status would still be "stolen". Apple already have an owner-transfer service that I've used many times, the problem is how this would work if someone passed away. It would make sense to disable some features, even if it's still in "stolen" status, so that it's not completely wasted.
- nicolas_17 3y ago
  > Apple already have an owner-transfer service that I've used many times, the problem is how this would work if someone passed away. Did you configure this too? https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212360 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212360
  - tmikaeld 3y ago
    That one didn't exist when I last used the transfer (Looks like it was added 2022) - Nice one! Thanks.
PrimeMcFly 3y ago
Make it so the main account it belongs to can't be removed/disabled, but can't be used to install new software, and location history can't be disabled. Give owners a chance to reclaim it, but allow some degree of use over just bricking it.
- newaccount74 3y ago
  I think the main reason for using activation lock is to make stolen products worthless. If there's a way to use stolen devices, then they'll be worthwhile to steal.
  - PrimeMcFly 3y ago
    There's a middleground between fully useable and brick though. Not being able to remove or use the main account and having location history always on would go a long way. People can be trained not to buy a device where the main account can't be removed or the device can't be factory reset, and having the location unable to be disabled would deter a lot of thieves.
    - newaccount74 3y ago
      I don't want a middle ground, I want stolen devices to be 100% brick until returned to the owner. If you want to buy & sell used Macs, you need to check them first to see if they are locked. Just like you'd check if the keys work before buying a used car.
      - PrimeMcFly 3y ago
        > I want stolen devices to be 100% brick until returned to the owner. Which is just contributing to the ewaste problem. What I proposed has now downsides unless you want to be petty.
        newaccount74 3y ago
        - A stolen device that is 100% brick has zero value, so there is no incentive to steal it. - A stolen device that can be used with some limitations can be sold for a higher price, so there is a much higher incentive to steal it. Call me petty all you want, but if you steal my Mac I'd much prefer it to end up in a landfill rather than have the thief make money from it. If they can't sell them, they'll stop stealing them at some point.
        PrimeMcFly 3y ago
        > A stolen device that is 100% brick has zero value, so there is no incentive to steal it. Clearly false. The parts still have value. > A stolen device that can be used with some limitations can be sold for a higher price, so there is a much higher incentive to steal it. A thief has less incentive to use something that is constantly broadcasting its location in a way that can't be disabled. > I'd much prefer it to end up in a landfill rather than have the thief make money from it. Environment be damned, right?

I mean that when you use the mac with the stolen disk, the status would still be "stolen". Apple already have an owner-transfer service that I've used many times, the problem is how this would work if someone passed away. It would make sense to disable some features, even if it's still in "stolen" status, so that it's not completely wasted.

nicolas_17 3y ago
> Apple already have an owner-transfer service that I've used many times, the problem is how this would work if someone passed away. Did you configure this too? https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212360 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212360
- tmikaeld 3y ago
  That one didn't exist when I last used the transfer (Looks like it was added 2022) - Nice one! Thanks.

PrimeMcFly 3y ago

Make it so the main account it belongs to can't be removed/disabled, but can't be used to install new software, and location history can't be disabled. Give owners a chance to reclaim it, but allow some degree of use over just bricking it.

newaccount74 3y ago
I think the main reason for using activation lock is to make stolen products worthless. If there's a way to use stolen devices, then they'll be worthwhile to steal.
- PrimeMcFly 3y ago
  There's a middleground between fully useable and brick though. Not being able to remove or use the main account and having location history always on would go a long way. People can be trained not to buy a device where the main account can't be removed or the device can't be factory reset, and having the location unable to be disabled would deter a lot of thieves.
  - newaccount74 3y ago
    I don't want a middle ground, I want stolen devices to be 100% brick until returned to the owner. If you want to buy & sell used Macs, you need to check them first to see if they are locked. Just like you'd check if the keys work before buying a used car.
    - PrimeMcFly 3y ago
      > I want stolen devices to be 100% brick until returned to the owner. Which is just contributing to the ewaste problem. What I proposed has now downsides unless you want to be petty.
      - newaccount74 3y ago
        - A stolen device that is 100% brick has zero value, so there is no incentive to steal it. - A stolen device that can be used with some limitations can be sold for a higher price, so there is a much higher incentive to steal it. Call me petty all you want, but if you steal my Mac I'd much prefer it to end up in a landfill rather than have the thief make money from it. If they can't sell them, they'll stop stealing them at some point.
        PrimeMcFly 3y ago
        > A stolen device that is 100% brick has zero value, so there is no incentive to steal it. Clearly false. The parts still have value. > A stolen device that can be used with some limitations can be sold for a higher price, so there is a much higher incentive to steal it. A thief has less incentive to use something that is constantly broadcasting its location in a way that can't be disabled. > I'd much prefer it to end up in a landfill rather than have the thief make money from it. Environment be damned, right?