Key Takeaways:
– Apple and Lenovo score lowest in laptop repairability, says a new report.
– Hard-to-fix designs and missing repair info are key issues.
– Repairability matters for sustainability and consumer rights.
– Right-to-repair laws aim to make fixing devices easier.
– Check repair scores before buying your next laptop.
If you’re thinking about buying a new laptop, you might want to think twice about brands like Apple and Lenovo. A recent report from a consumer advocacy group called US PIRG Education Fund ranked these brands as having the least repairable laptops. Let’s dive into why this matters and what it means for you.
Why Apple and Lenovo Scored Low
US PIRG looked at laptops from popular brands and checked how easy they are to repair. Apple and Lenovo came in last. But why? Let’s start with Apple. The report says Apple’s laptops, like MacBooks, are tough to take apart. This makes repairs hard, even for pros. If you wanna fix your MacBook, you might need special tools or skills.
Lenovo, on the other hand, seems to be hiding info that shoppers need. The report claims Lenovo doesn’t share important details about repairs. This goes against right-to-repair laws, which are meant to make fixing stuff easier and fairer. If companies don’t share info, it’s harder for you to fix your own devices.
How the Report Was Done
So, how did US PIRG come up with these scores? They looked at the top 10 latest devices from each brand available for sale in January 2025. For brands whose websites don’t let you sort by newest releases, they picked devices marked as “Bestselling” or similar.
For each laptop, they checked something called the French Repairability Index. This index scores devices based on how easy they are to fix. They looked at these scores on the brands’ French websites and other retail sites. Then, they averaged the total repair score and the disassembly score, giving more weight to disassembly because that’s what most people care about when thinking about repairability.
They also added or subtracted points based on whether the brands support or oppose right-to-repair laws. Brands that supported such laws got a quarter point for each piece of legislation they backed. Those in groups fighting these laws lost half a point.
Why Repairability Matters
You might wonder why repairability is such a big deal. Let’s break it down.
1.Saves Money: Fixing your laptop instead of buying a new one can save you cash. If repairs are hard or expensive, you might end up spending more than you need to.
2.Good for the Planet:When devices are easy to fix, they last longer. This means fewer electronics end up in landfills. It’s better for the environment because producing new gadgets uses resources and creates waste.
3. Fairness: Right-to-repair laws are about fairness. They aim to make sure consumers have the right to fix their own stuff without needing special permissions or tools. This keeps repair costs down and ensures you’re not forced to buy a new device when you don’t need to.
What This Means for You
So, what should you do if you’re in the market for a new laptop? Here are a few tips:
– Check Repair Scores: Before buying, look up the repairability score of the laptop you’re eyeing. If it’s low, you might want to reconsider.
– Support Repair-Friendly Brands:If a brand makes repairs hard, they might not have your best interests in mind. Consider brands that support right-to-repair laws and make their devices easier to fix.
– Ask Questions: If a brand’s website doesn’t have clear info about repairs, ask them why. Transparency is key.
The Future of Repairability
As more people become aware of the importance of repairability, there’s hope for change. Right-to-repair laws are gaining support, and some companies are starting to listen. But there’s still a long way to go.
If you’re someone who likes to fix things or wants to save money, keep an eye on these repairability scores. They could help you make smarter choices and support brands that care about sustainability and consumer rights.
In the end, repairability isn’t just about saving money or helping the planet. It’s about having control over the devices you own. When companies make repairs hard, they take away that control. By supporting repair-friendly brands and advocating for right-to-repair laws, you’re fighting for a fairer, greener future.
So, next time you’re shopping for a laptop, remember: a higher repairability score means more freedom for you to fix, upgrade, and keep your device running for years to come.