Inspired by this thread, I think we should have this discussion. Batteries degrade over time, this is a fact. And locking an electronic device to a part with with such an small life effectively makes the device perishable.
Now, when thinking on devices with batteries most of you will think on phones and some of you will argue that everyone upgrades its phone every 2 years anyway. But I will tell you of another type of device, my gps-enabled cycling computer. The device has limited app capabilities so the prospect of higher processing power is not nearly as important. For tracking activity purposes, it is as good as the day I bought it. The new models offer marginal upgrades that I don't need. However, after 5 years of use, the battery no longer holds a charge for a full ride (~5-7 hours). The situation is at a point where I'm right now looking at replacing it.
I have looking at replacing the battery and the company do not offer the service at my country and where it does, it cost nearly as much as much as buying it new. Some Chinese vendors sell a replaceable battery, but the process requires soldering and many people have reported dead components after the procedure. I'm waiting for the battery I ordered from aliexpress but I'm not looking forward of installing it. The situation is such that I will probably buy a newer model this weekend. So, I guess the company is getting what It wants.
Why did I not opt for a model with replaceable battery you ask? If you find such an option please tell me! I would really look at it. And this is another aspect of this situation, companies are effectively taking away the option. From cellphones to now laptops (ugh), devices with user replaceable batteries are becoming rarer every year. Is not that we prefer no user replaceable batteries (why some would?) but they are forcing us to accept the practice, and looks like they are winning.
Whats your take, ERA?
Now, when thinking on devices with batteries most of you will think on phones and some of you will argue that everyone upgrades its phone every 2 years anyway. But I will tell you of another type of device, my gps-enabled cycling computer. The device has limited app capabilities so the prospect of higher processing power is not nearly as important. For tracking activity purposes, it is as good as the day I bought it. The new models offer marginal upgrades that I don't need. However, after 5 years of use, the battery no longer holds a charge for a full ride (~5-7 hours). The situation is at a point where I'm right now looking at replacing it.
I have looking at replacing the battery and the company do not offer the service at my country and where it does, it cost nearly as much as much as buying it new. Some Chinese vendors sell a replaceable battery, but the process requires soldering and many people have reported dead components after the procedure. I'm waiting for the battery I ordered from aliexpress but I'm not looking forward of installing it. The situation is such that I will probably buy a newer model this weekend. So, I guess the company is getting what It wants.
Why did I not opt for a model with replaceable battery you ask? If you find such an option please tell me! I would really look at it. And this is another aspect of this situation, companies are effectively taking away the option. From cellphones to now laptops (ugh), devices with user replaceable batteries are becoming rarer every year. Is not that we prefer no user replaceable batteries (why some would?) but they are forcing us to accept the practice, and looks like they are winning.
Whats your take, ERA?
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