Tag Archives: iFixit

BlackBerry Z10 gets the iFixit teardown treatment

Posted by on March 25, 2013 No comments

BlackBerry Z10

Screws and a little glue — that’s all that stood between an intact BlackBerry Z10 and the curious hands of those iFixit folks. And the results? Well, it’s nothing you didn’t know already: a motherboard, some Samsung flash memory, a Snapdragon S4 and camera modules. So, if you’re the type that needs a little tech carnage to help seal your purchase decision (and, yes, the Z10 is finally on sale in the US), go ahead and click on the source.

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Source: iFixit

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iFixit releases tablet repairability list, puts Apple and Microsoft on the bottom

Posted by on March 1, 2013 No comments

Not only has iFixit long been the go-to source for gadget teardowns, it’s often seen as an authority on just how repairable a device is post-purchase. So when the outfit released its “Tablet Repairability” list recently, we took notice. The Dell XPS 10 took top marks (9 out of 10) for its color-coded screws and labeled cables, while Apple and Microsoft slumped to the bottom. Every iPad from the second generation onward scored a 2, and the Surface Pro has the unenviable position as the worst of the lot with a score of 1. Excessive adhesive is the culprit behind the low scores, as is the high probability of part breakage upon disassembly. Not every tablet on the market made it on the list, but it’s a decent start as iFixit finds more slates to tear down. Head on over to the source to see if your favorite tablet is easily fixable or if you need to look into rugged cases and extended warranties.

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Via: CNET

Source: iFixit

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iFixit pries open new 21.5-inch iMac, finds twin mics and a glued on display

Posted by on December 1, 2012 No comments

iFixit pries open new 215inch iMac, finds twin mics and a glued on display

We got an early teardown of the latest 21,5-inch iMac thanks Japanese site Kodawarisan, but now it’s had the full iFixit treatment. The overall verdict? Well iFixit weren’t overly enthused with some of the new design’s internal fixings, making a special reference to the use of glue to bind the LCD and glass to the rest of the frame, instead of magnets as found in previous models. Likewise, those two major components are now fused together meaning if you want to replace one, you’ll be replacing the other too. This adhesive also contributes to the trickiness of general repair. Beyond the glue-based concerns, there’s the usual intense poring over of internal like the dual mics found at the rear, or the 2.5-inch HGST / Western Digital hard drive. Overall, though, the tone is a definite thumbs down when it comes to repairability, with the device getting just 3 out of 10 on it’s now famous meter. Prise open the source link for the full internal tour.

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Source: iFixit

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iPad Mini gets torn asunder by iFixit, finds very small screws

Posted by on November 1, 2012 No comments

Interested in seeing all the adorable little parts inside Apple’s smallest iPad yet? iFixit’s already got its hands on one and has a currently-in-progress teardown going on, should that be your kinda thing. And what’s the verdict? Well, the teardown is still happening, but as of right now, there are some good signs. For one, the LCD and front glass are separate components, making replacement of individual components a possibility (and making a repair less expensive). And that LCD is once again of the Samsung variety, confirming Apple’s continued relationship with its legal adversary. As iFixit points out, Apple “often relies on multiple supplies for a single component,” so it’s possible that your teardown of another Mini will yield a different LCD manufacturer. More tidbits found inside thus far: confirmation of stereo speakers (a big change from the regular iPad’s mono setup). The teardown points out that the Mini’s Lightning charging port (significantly smaller than the previous 30-pin port) is likely what’s making space for that extra speaker. We’ll have more on repairability and unknown specs when iFixit’s all through.

[Image credit: iFixit]

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iPad Mini gets torn asunder by iFixit, finds very small screws originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 08:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft Surface exposes its guts to iFixit, knows if you’ve been meddling with it

Posted by on October 29, 2012 No comments

Microsoft Surface exposes its guts to iFixit, ranks

Now that the Microsoft Surface is in the wild and we’ve probed it from the outside, the tool-toters at iFixit have opened it up to see what makes it tick — and whether you dare attempt a repair yourself. The first thing they noticed was how tricky it was to remove the plastic camera cover to access the Torx screws holding it together. When they finally got it off, it also caused unavoidable damage to the tamper-evident label, tipping Microsoft’s repair depots that you’ve been rummaging about, and likely rendering your warranty moot. Other black marks included the LCD and glass being fused together, increasing repair costs, along with a keyboard connector that’s impossible to get out without pulling the display off first. On the plus side, the iFixit team found the battery easy to remove despite being glued to the case, and many un-soldered components that were also easy to replace. All that added up to a score of four on the repairability scale — meaning that fixing one probably isn’t a great DIY project, especially if you’re the impatient type.

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Microsoft Surface exposes its guts to iFixit, knows if you’ve been meddling with it originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 08:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 5 hits the teardown table, scores a 7 out of 10 for repairability from iFixit

Posted by on September 21, 2012 No comments

iPhone 5 face the teardown music, scores a 7 out of 10 for repairability from iFixit

If it’s the day that shipments of the latest iPhone arrive around the world, then it is just as surely the day that iFixit’s teardown specialists break out their screwdrivers and show you what’s inside. This is not the first teardown of the iPhone 5, but it will certainly be among he best and most detailed. Some pleasant surprises inside Apple’s latest device are signed indicating it will be much more easily repairable than its predecessor, thanks to a case that opens front to back, a pop-out ear speaker and a display assembly the team says is reminiscent of the the iPhone 3GS. Also good news for those suffering through worn-out home buttons is an integrated metal support this time around, which may help extend its lifespan and make replacing it easier when it does expire. Beyond that, a 28nm Qualcomm MDM9615M chip is handling LTE, HSPA+, EV-Do Rev B and TD-SCMA connectivity, while the new metal back casing barely outweighs the back glass from the iPhone 4S. Hit the source link or check out the video review (embedded after the break) for more pics and details from deep inside the iPhone 5, while most fans wait a few more hours to get their grubby fingers all over the outside of one.

Continue reading iPhone 5 hits the teardown table, scores a 7 out of 10 for repairability from iFixit

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iPhone 5 hits the teardown table, scores a 7 out of 10 for repairability from iFixit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 01:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple’s EarPods get the iFixit teardown treatment, found to basically be earbuds

Posted by on September 19, 2012 No comments

Apple's EarPods get a the iFixit teardown treatment, found to be headphones

As we briefly mentioned in our EarPods review, iFixit was able to teardown Apple’s latest generation of earbuds, which are currently shipping with the iPhone 5. While we weren’t quite sure what was going on with their insides, the site has confirmed some of our suspicions and detailed a few other fun facts. As it turns out, the internal layout of each earpiece is essentially that of an average ‘bud with a forward-facing driver. The new top section, with its side-facing audio port, is apparently a good chunk of what affects the sound in unison with those strategically placed vents. The improved bass and low-mid response we noted in our review falls in line with iFixit’s confirmation that the new driver in each Pod is made with a paper speaker cone — in contrast to the plastic used on the older model.

As the site notes, those driver diaphragms should be less likely to blow-out, and the basket behind ‘em have also been updated with a cleaner fit and finish. Aside from that, you’ll be pleased to know that the inline remote appears to have an improved sealed for protection from the elements, and it’ll hold up better to cable snags. As you might imagine, the $ 29 headphones have been deemed as disposable rather than repairable. Don’t take our word for it however — you can read the teardown for yourself at the source link below.

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Apple’s EarPods get the iFixit teardown treatment, found to basically be earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chipworks, iFixit tear down the Galaxy S III for all to see, spot iPhone 4S’ camera sensor hanging around

Posted by on June 2, 2012 No comments

Chipworks, iFixit tear down the Galaxy S III for all to see, spot iPhone 4S' camera sensor hanging around

You’ve picked up the Galaxy S III. You’ve grabbed the source code. But you probably like the quad-core monster too much to tear it down, which is why Chipworks and iFixit have taken to disassembling the phone for themselves to look fro any surprises. We certainly knew to expect the Exynos 4 Quad and 2,100mAh battery, but we now know how Samsung is claiming a boost to speed and image quality for the 8-megapixel camera: it’s using the same Sony-made, backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that we’ve seen since the Xperia Arc and made its biggest splash in the iPhone 4S. Just don’t anticipate replacing many components yourself. That 4.8-inch screen is not only permanently attached to the glass, but to the phone frame, leaving any face-first accidents a dicey fix. We’re expecting a few more discoveries once iFixit gives the Galaxy S III a second scan, but the source will give you everything there is to know right now.

Chipworks, iFixit tear down the Galaxy S III for all to see, spot iPhone 4S’ camera sensor hanging around originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 21:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iFixit begins surgery on new iPad

Posted by on March 15, 2012 No comments

Need something to keep you occupied as you wait in line for the latest iPad? What better way to wile away the time waiting for its 8AM release in your part of the world than watching someone else tear apart their brand new tablet? iFixit has already managed to get its hands on the “resolutionary” new product with help from some time zone trickery, and is digging into the slate as we speak. The site has only posted the above image at present, but we’ll hit you with the link as soon as we get it. Stay tuned.

iFixit begins surgery on new iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iFixit picks the Droid Bionic to disassembled pieces

Posted by on September 9, 2011 No comments

What do you do with a shiny and new dual-core LTE phone? You rip it to shreds and then poke around in its guts, like any respectable techie would. At least, that’s what the folks over at iFixit got up to with Verizon’s day-old Motorola Droid Bionic. By now, you should be well familiar with its slightly revamped Droid X2-ish casing and usual micro-USB / micro-HDMI ports. Pop off that back, however, strip out the internal barrier of stickers, screws and clips, and you’ll be treated to a silicon underworld of EMI shields, motherboard components and that hump-making 8 megapixel rear shooter. Of course, seeing is believing. So, go ahead and hit that source link below to get your rubberneck on.

iFixit picks the Droid Bionic to disassembled pieces originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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