- Joined
- Dec 20, 2006
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- Lake Mary, Florida
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- 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
Many of you who know me, know that I have recently been very critical over Apple's latest product releases, particularly in the Mac space. Oftentimes, I have referred to things like the most recent iMacs and Retina MacBook Pros as "disposable" and suggested that they provided less value as they were meant to be sealed boxes that can't be upgraded and/or easily repaired. I have even gone so far as to suggest that Apple's steady decline in Mac sales is less the result of the popularity of iDevices and more about the compromised designs they have been producing.
While you may understand the significance of these choices in terms of their impact to you personally, you may not understand how they impact our collective future as computing and technology enthusiasts. As a member of staff on an Apple enthusiasts' forum, I try not to be negative, but I do want to open a dialog about why this matters - and why we need to advocate for change.
Simply put, the natural resources and energy expended to create these devices are finite. As those resources dwindle, it becomes harder to find them - and that has a cost, not only to human beings, but to the environment as well. Eventually (and likely within our lifetimes), we will run out of one or more of these natural resources and that will have a profound impact on the gadgets we know and love. For that reason, regardless of your political views, it is incumbent upon us as technology enthusiasts and consumers, to try to make as much use out of the gadgets we buy as possible before tossing or replacing them. When a company like Apple deliberately produces "closed-box" designs, they are essentially thumbing their noses at us, all in the name of profit.
I am absolutely convinced that Apple can produce aesthetically pleasing gear in a way that is upgradeable and repairable, and in turn, have a significantly longer service life. They are making a conscious choice not to do so. As a leader in innovation and design, Apple sets trends in the industry - where they lead, others inevitably follow. I think it's high time that we as consumers and enthusiasts start pressuring them to rethink their approach. I'm not asking you to change your buying habits (though that might help), but at the very least, don’t be an apologist for their behavior - even if you are a fan.
Recently, iFixIt.org (who I am not shilling for as I have no affiliation with them) has been on a mission to point out these problems. And though their business started off with Apple gear, they have been increasingly negative about newer Apple designs. I strongly support them in their efforts and encourage you to do the same. If nothing else, please follow their blogs and educate yourself about this important issue. In particular, I highly recommend this most recent article:
Manufacturing Eats a Hole in the Earth Every Day - iFixit
While you may understand the significance of these choices in terms of their impact to you personally, you may not understand how they impact our collective future as computing and technology enthusiasts. As a member of staff on an Apple enthusiasts' forum, I try not to be negative, but I do want to open a dialog about why this matters - and why we need to advocate for change.
Simply put, the natural resources and energy expended to create these devices are finite. As those resources dwindle, it becomes harder to find them - and that has a cost, not only to human beings, but to the environment as well. Eventually (and likely within our lifetimes), we will run out of one or more of these natural resources and that will have a profound impact on the gadgets we know and love. For that reason, regardless of your political views, it is incumbent upon us as technology enthusiasts and consumers, to try to make as much use out of the gadgets we buy as possible before tossing or replacing them. When a company like Apple deliberately produces "closed-box" designs, they are essentially thumbing their noses at us, all in the name of profit.
I am absolutely convinced that Apple can produce aesthetically pleasing gear in a way that is upgradeable and repairable, and in turn, have a significantly longer service life. They are making a conscious choice not to do so. As a leader in innovation and design, Apple sets trends in the industry - where they lead, others inevitably follow. I think it's high time that we as consumers and enthusiasts start pressuring them to rethink their approach. I'm not asking you to change your buying habits (though that might help), but at the very least, don’t be an apologist for their behavior - even if you are a fan.
Recently, iFixIt.org (who I am not shilling for as I have no affiliation with them) has been on a mission to point out these problems. And though their business started off with Apple gear, they have been increasingly negative about newer Apple designs. I strongly support them in their efforts and encourage you to do the same. If nothing else, please follow their blogs and educate yourself about this important issue. In particular, I highly recommend this most recent article:
Manufacturing Eats a Hole in the Earth Every Day - iFixit