"Could it also be that companies are so focused on adding new features and flashy tech that they overlook basic things like ease of maintenance?"
Honestly, I think you nailed it right there. I'd gladly trade half the fancy features for something I can fix myself without watching 20 YouTube tutorials...
Yeah, you're definitely onto something there. Ever notice how older gadgets were built with screws and clips you could actually open without special tools? Now everything's glued shut or hidden behind some weird proprietary screwβwhy is that even necessary? I get that sleek designs sell, but does it really have to mean sacrificing basic repairability?
I remember trying to swap out a cracked screen on my phone last year. Thought it'd be straightforward... nope. Had to order some obscure tool kit online, and even then, the adhesive was so strong I nearly snapped the whole thing in half. Is it really too much to ask for companies to at least make batteries and screens easily replaceable? Seems like common sense to me.
You're spot on about the adhesive issueβit's honestly ridiculous. I had a similar experience replacing a battery recently. Thought it'd be a quick swap, but nope... ended up wrestling with glue strips that felt industrial-grade. Companies argue it's for waterproofing or slimmer designs, but let's be real, it's also about pushing us toward upgrades instead of repairs. A bit more transparency and modularity wouldn't hurt their bottom line, and it'd definitely earn some customer loyalty in the long run.
Yeah, the adhesive thing is getting out of hand. But do you think it's possible to strike a balance between waterproofing and repairability? I've seen some DIYers use heat guns or even hair dryers to soften the glueβhave you tried that? It worked pretty well for me when I swapped out my phone screen last year. Still, makes me wonder if manufacturers could just use less aggressive adhesives without compromising durability too much...
I've tried the hair dryer trick myself when replacing a tablet batteryβworked surprisingly well, actually. The key is patience: gently heat around the edges, pause, pry a bit, repeat. But yeah, manufacturers could probably dial back the glue a notch without turning our gadgets into leaky messes. Maybe some kind of gasket or seal that's easier to remove? Dunno, just thinking out loud here...