Why is it so difficult to repair an electronic device? Have you ever wondered why it is so difficult to repair your smartphone, computer or console that useswhat? Companies build the devices in such a way that it basically doesn't allow you to do that.
However, a change in the existing legislation entitled "Right to repair" could change things.
What is the problem exactly?
Many manufacturers do not want to allow their customers to be able to repair their own devices or make it from a local specialist store. On the contrary, they prefer to do so themselves (or through authorized dealers), which often comes at a cost that is much higher than what you would pay at a local repair shop, and of course much more than it would cost you to do it yourself.
So most manufacturers do not sell genuine spare parts and do not offer information on repairing the devices. In other words, they want to make it as difficult as possible for anyone to repair broken appliances.
Let's say Apple has gone much further by even manufacturing its own screws (not the common security screws, but its own “Pentalobe” screws) to prevent users to easily open their devices with a normal screwdriver.
Of course most manufacturers would prefer to buy a new phone or a computer in the event of a breakdown, which we often see, with very high charges for each repair, or with the well-known "impossible" repair phenomenon.
Of course you can always repair your device. There are websites where you can buy parts from the same suppliers that the manufacturers use (even if they are not technically "genuine parts"), and online guides that offer repair information. Along with the above, there are special tools which are needed to make it with better safety.
But if you do, you will lose the guarantee ...
This is where the change in legislation called "Right to Repair" comes from.
At present, 17 states have introduced new legislation that will provide independent repair shops with the same access that manufacturers have to genuine spare parts, tools and information to help with the repair of consumer electronics.
Currently not officially approved in the consumer electronics sector, but a law on the right to repair cars was passed in Massachusetts 2012.
The good news is that this legislation is constantly gaining popularity, especially since the scandal with the iPhone battery has been revealed.
Repair: And the warranty?
So, the Right of Repair Law will allow you to open your devices. What will happen to the warranty?
In accordance with HTG, from a technical point of view, you can keep the guarantee. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, it is illegal for companies to cancel your warranty simply because you repaired or modified something yourself. They must prove that your repair or conversion caused something else on the device to malfunction. This means that these scary warranty stickers you see on many electronic devices are virtually meaningless… at least from a legal point of view.
I wish.
To do this.