Apple's 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display has been making headlines, but not all the news is positive. Renowned for their detailed gadget teardowns, the experts at iFixit have recently assessed the repairability of this sleek laptop, and the results are less than stellar. The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display has received a notably low repairability score, raising questions and concerns for potential buyers and current owners alike. Here’s an in-depth look at what this low score means and why it matters.
Understanding the iFixit Score
iFixit is a well-known resource for DIY electronics repair guides and toolkits. Their repairability score evaluates how easy it is to disassemble and repair a device. A high score indicates that a device is relatively easy to fix, with accessible components and a design conducive to repairs. Conversely, a low score suggests that the device is challenging to repair, often due to proprietary screws, glued components, or components that are difficult to replace.
The MacBook Pro's Low Score
The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display received a repairability score of just 1 out of 10 from iFixit. This low score is due to several design choices made by Apple:
Proprietary Screws: Apple uses proprietary pentalobe screws, which are not as commonly available as standard screws, making it harder to open the device without specialized tools.
Battery: The battery is glued to the case, making it difficult and potentially dangerous to replace. This design choice significantly hampers the ability to perform a relatively common repair.
Soldered Components: Key components such as the RAM and the SSD are soldered to the motherboard. This means that upgrading or replacing these components is not possible, limiting the laptop's lifespan and upgrade potential.
Display Assembly: The Retina Display is fused to the top glass, meaning that if the screen gets damaged, the entire display assembly must be replaced, which is costly and complex.
Implications for Users
For consumers, the low repairability score has several important implications:
Higher Repair Costs: Due to the complexity of repairs and the need for specialized tools and skills, getting a MacBook Pro with Retina Display fixed by a professional can be expensive. Apple’s official repair services are often costly, and third-party repair options may be limited.
Limited Upgradeability: The soldered RAM and SSD mean that users cannot upgrade these components after purchase. This necessitates careful consideration of future needs when choosing the initial configuration, potentially leading to higher upfront costs for more storage or memory.
Environmental Concerns: Devices that are difficult to repair are more likely to be discarded when something goes wrong, contributing to electronic waste. This is a significant environmental concern, as e-waste contains hazardous materials and is challenging to recycle.
Longevity: A laptop that is difficult to repair and upgrade may have a shorter useful lifespan. Users might need to replace their device sooner than they would with a more repairable model, increasing long-term costs.
What You Can Do
If you already own a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display or are considering purchasing one, there are a few steps you can take to mitigate some of these concerns:
AppleCare+: Consider purchasing AppleCare+ for extended warranty coverage. This can help offset the cost of potential repairs and provide peace of mind.
Protective Measures: Invest in high-quality protective cases and screen protectors to reduce the risk of damage to the device.
Configuration Choices: When buying, choose a configuration that will meet your needs for as long as possible, given the inability to upgrade later.
Repair Resources: Familiarize yourself with reputable repair services and resources. Even if you don't plan to do repairs yourself, knowing where to go for help can be invaluable.
Conclusion
The low repairability score of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display is a significant consideration for anyone looking to purchase this model. While the device offers outstanding performance and a stunning display, the challenges associated with repairs and upgrades cannot be overlooked. As always, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider both the short-term benefits and long-term implications when making your decision.
Stay informed and consider all aspects of your tech purchases to ensure you get the best value and longevity from your devices.
Apple's latest and greatest 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display has received a damming score from iFixit blaming the complete inability to repair the display among other things
The new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display has been given a low score of just two out of 10 by iFixit after it discovered that many of the new MacBook's latest features have come at a high cost.
The company which famously pulls apart the latest tech so consumers are away of just how repairable their latest gadgets are, took a screwdriver to the new Retina Display MacBook and had some fairly frustrating news to impart.
The battery has been glued into the aluminium casing making it very difficult to remove or indeed replace. Pentalobe screws also cause them some difficult locking the entire closure from pyring eyes.
Most shocking was the news that the RAM has been soldered to the logic board so if you're thinking of upgrading your RAM in a years time or so think again.
Finally iFixit had particular beef with the Retina Display itself thanks to the fusing together of the parts allowing Apple to create such a thin display, so while it may look incredibly desirable the website advises that if anything goes wrong you'll have to replace the entire display.
Source: iFixit