Tech Repairability Scorecard: Empowering Consumers
Let's acknowledge the indispensable role of cell phones and computers in nearly every aspect of modern life, spanning work, education, communication, and entertainment. These personal devices have become essential purchases, raising concerns about affordability beyond their initial cost. Consumer advocates emphasize that high repair costs or intentional design barriers should not compel consumers to replace their vital electronics when they break.
A recent report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund sheds light on how many tech companies prioritize planned obsolescence by making their products difficult to repair, thus nudging consumers towards expensive replacements. In response to this concern, PIRG has unveiled its annual "Failing the Fix" scorecard, which evaluates the repairability of popular cell phone and laptop brands. Factors such as the provision of free service manual information, ease of device repair, availability and affordability of replacement parts, all contribute to the assessment.
The organization underscores that companies embracing long-lasting and easily repairable designs stand to gain customer loyalty, while those pushing unnecessary replacements risk alienating their consumer base. By highlighting the top repairable options within each brand, the scorecard empowers consumers to make informed choices that align with their financial interests and environmental concerns. Lucas Gutterman, U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s Designed to Last campaign director, emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness regarding their Right to Repair.
Despite the availability of repair scorecards, major tech companies are slow to heed the message. The latest findings reveal that no tech company earned a grade higher than a B+, with persistent trends from previous years persisting into 2024. For instance, Google’s Chromebooks, though budget-friendly, remain less repairable compared to other manufacturers' laptops. Meanwhile, Apple continues to lag in laptop repairs, despite its loyal user base. In the cell phone realm, Motorola leads with a C+, while Apple and Google tie for second place, each earning a C. Samsung trails with a C-. Among laptop manufacturers, ASUS leads in repairability, followed by Acer, DELL, and Microsoft, with Apple ranking last.
Gutterman stresses the importance of repair scorecards in enabling consumers to make informed decisions and advocates against exorbitant prices for disposable technology. Long-term value lies in products designed for repair and longevity, emphasizing the need for companies to prioritize durability and lawmakers to enact Right to Repair legislation to safeguard consumers' ability to fix their possessions.
