Apple Patent Applications: Tamper-Resistant Labels for Hardware, Accelerometer-Based

[Erasmus]

Just one counter example from my personal experience. I upgraded my Macbook Pro to 4 GB myself some time ago. Recently it stopped working so I brought it to an Apple Store. The serial number indicated the MBP was from a batch made with potentially faulty graphics chips. When I said the memory chips were not from Apple they said those chips would have to be tested to insure they weren't faulty. The memory chips were fine and the repair (replacement of the motherboard with 4GB which I assume were mine) was done as free warranty service. So if someone claims upgrading your memory chips voids your warranty, I'd have to say that person does not have all the facts.

But the RAM has always been user replaceable/upgradeable in Apple products, and the hard disk is now that way too. If Apple start using this in their computers, it will only be used on the seals that cover the more complicated parts, like the motherboard, CPU, and GPU. The bits that are easy to damage. RAM and HD are not easy to damage, and if you do, the damage is pretty obvious.

This device is not intended to prevent users from upgrading RAM and HD, but simply preventing people from getting into their computer with a soldering iron to kill it for warranty purposes.

Then again, it's probably not meant for Apple computers at all, just the iphone and ipod. And maybe the tablet.

 

[mingoglia]

...

This device is not intended to prevent users from upgrading RAM and HD, but simply preventing people from getting into their computer with a soldering iron to kill it for warranty purposes.

Then again, it's probably not meant for Apple computers at all, just the iphone and ipod. And maybe the tablet.

Hope you're right... but we'll all have to wait and see what the future holds.

 

[mingoglia]

...So if someone claims upgrading your memory chips voids your warranty, I'd have to say that person does not have all the facts.

You're of course correct. However, many are misinformed, even at the store. There can most certainly be folks that are turned away for having upgraded the memory themselves. If the customer doesn't know any better they could be getting "screwed" out of a legitimate warranty claim. Many people even if they thought that wasn't right would unlikely pursue it any further unless it's a very expensive item. A security seal could certainly be used as a scare tactic for the uninformed.

 

[Azathoth]

This device is not intended to prevent users from upgrading RAM and HD, but simply preventing people from getting into their computer with a soldering iron to kill it for warranty purposes.

It's clear that Apple doesn't want users to open their computers. The number of users that poke around with soldering irons is infinitesimally small.

Legitimate reasons for opening and replacing parts:
1. Price gouging by Apple for RAM and HDD
2. Limited choices regarding the above (Apple benefits cost-wise from using COTS parts, but screws the customer with limited prices/choice)

Apple could design computers that are better able to withstand day-to-day: water guards, some seals, better cases. Contrary to some users' opinions, a laptop, especially one that the manufacturer has the audacity to label 'pro' should stand up to a few drops of rain, sweat and one-handed lifting. Look at the other gear that photographers, musicians etc - Apple's traditional 'pro' market - use. That stuff is not meant to be set up in a hermetic box by white-gloved assistants.

Similarly so for "mobile phones" (as they are called here), 'mobile' being the operative word. Raindrops, condensation etc are going to happen from normal use.
I went swimming in salt water with my old Nokia 1100 a few years ago (forgot to take it out of my pocket when i had to perform a little rescue of a drunk guy in the water). Opened it up, washed it, dried it, and it worked. Sure, it was a much simpler phone, but still it shows the kind of abuse that electronics can withstand.

If / when I buy a MBP for its unix capability and intend to open the thing and replace the HDD (if Apple ever sort out the SATA II problem!) then anyone that denies me warranty service if there is a failure later will be in for a surprise.

FWIW warranties in Europe are often 1-2years, and certain goods should be expected to last significantly longer than this (washing machines, computers, TVs, cars would fall under this category). I've laughed at some of the '90day warranty' carp that certain US products come with.

As consumers we will need to get used to paying higher prices than the extreme price erosion that has taken place, but similarly manufacturers have a responsibility to make better products. Just adding tamper seals to lower warranty claim costs is a dirty little trick that I believe the top tier manufacturers should not be allowed to get away with.

 

[ChazUK]

When I first saw this patent I was outraged thinking that Apple would use this patent against the consumer to deny warranty repair but then it dawned on on me:

Of you're in a position that you need to take apart an Apple device within the first year of ownership then you'd be far better off taking it to Apple for repair. If you attempt a self repair after the warranty is expired then it is entirely on your back if it goes wrong.

As long as the minimum I'd expect to upgrade was still accessible (Ram in the iMac, hdd and memory in a laptop) I'd be happy with it (as long as there is zero possibility of accidentaly triggering the label that is).

Apple tried to charge me an atrocious amount of money to supply and fit another 1GB of ram into my iMac when I bought it. I declined their offer and did it myself. As long as we can still do that then there is no issue from me.