The upgradable computer is under attack.
In case you haven't noticed, Apple and every other first-tier PC maker on the planet are pushing thin laptops, not to mention even thinner tablets. Problem is, really thin computers are, by design, "sealed." That means, fewer and fewer upgradable computers.
In fact, these days the only chance you'll have to upgrade most ultrabooks and MacBooks is when you order them online. After that, you're stuck with the configuration.
As is the case with the Retina MacBook Pro. "Unlike previous generations of MacBook Pros, the MacBook Pro with Retina display is guarded by Apple's proprietary pentalobe screws," wrote iFixit -- which goes on to list other impediments to access.
While a teardown outfit like iFixit can crack open a Retina MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or an ultrabook, chances are the average user can't -- and probably shouldn't.
Take the Dell XPS 13 ultrabook. Just to access the solid-state drive, you have to peel away layers like the "power-light board" and battery -- and that's after removing 10 torx screws on the base cover.
This isn't your father's Dell (or HP) laptop (see photo below), where the underside of the laptop sported easily-removable Mini PCI, hard drive, and memory covers, to mention just a few upgradable components.
In case you haven't noticed, Apple and every other first-tier PC maker on the planet are pushing thin laptops, not to mention even thinner tablets. Problem is, really thin computers are, by design, "sealed." That means, fewer and fewer upgradable computers.
In fact, these days the only chance you'll have to upgrade most ultrabooks and MacBooks is when you order them online. After that, you're stuck with the configuration.
As is the case with the Retina MacBook Pro. "Unlike previous generations of MacBook Pros, the MacBook Pro with Retina display is guarded by Apple's proprietary pentalobe screws," wrote iFixit -- which goes on to list other impediments to access.
While a teardown outfit like iFixit can crack open a Retina MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or an ultrabook, chances are the average user can't -- and probably shouldn't.
Take the Dell XPS 13 ultrabook. Just to access the solid-state drive, you have to peel away layers like the "power-light board" and battery -- and that's after removing 10 torx screws on the base cover.
This isn't your father's Dell (or HP) laptop (see photo below), where the underside of the laptop sported easily-removable Mini PCI, hard drive, and memory covers, to mention just a few upgradable components.
No comments:
Post a Comment