Worried_Lawfulness43 t1_ixfoz4q wrote on November 23, 2022 at 2:18 AM

Reply to comment by SirEDCaLot in iFixit put up a Right to Repair billboard on the New York Governor's drive to work by kwiens

I think I’m optimistic about where we are in terms of technology for this to work. Right to repair can also mean, better quality resellers with phones being sold for cheaper prices due to there being an abundance of decent quality secondhands on the market.

It could help people who wouldn’t ordinarily have the means to get a phone every couple years hold onto a phone for longer, therefor allowing them to be more comfortable in making an investment with getting a smartphone. This could lead to a great reduction in the amount of prepaid phones people actually use.

I’d love to see how it shakes out, but ultimately it’s hard not see how it’s better for the consumer and the earth. I think prepaid phone people would have a hard time creating a solid argument.

SirEDCaLot t1_ixfrmm8 wrote on November 23, 2022 at 2:40 AM

> Right to repair can also mean, better quality resellers with phones being sold for cheaper prices due to there being an abundance of decent quality secondhands on the market.

Hell yes. I'd love to see that.

I'd also like to see phones just built better. EVERYone puts one in a case. So why not make the phone a few mm bigger in each dimension and make it naturally indestructible?

Worried_Lawfulness43 t1_ixfs7x9 wrote on November 23, 2022 at 2:45 AM

I think right to repair is a fantastic step in incentivizing companies to make better quality devices. For what I envision, I think legislation on both the environmental side and technology side could absolutely strong arm companies into having standards for their devices out the gate. We’re already seeing this in the EU with the way they’re forcing companies to have a similar charging cable standard. I’m really hoping this swings the way I want it to, and I’m not being overly optimistic.

SirEDCaLot t1_ixftxx0 wrote on November 23, 2022 at 2:59 AM

I agree. The USB-C legislation is a great step. I just wish it went further- earlier versions of it included personal mobility devices like e-bikes and scooters. With USB-C up to like 240 watts now there's no reason those devices shouldn't be included (with a provision for allowing proprietary connectors for higher wattages, although I think USB-C should still be required so you can 240w charge when the proprietary connector isn't available).
My understanding is that this got dropped and it's just electronic gadgets for now.

Worried_Lawfulness43 t1_ixfy29m wrote on November 23, 2022 at 3:34 AM

I have hope that it’ll show up in the future. I do still find it a bit weird that it was dropped for the present time though.