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My MacBook keyboard is broken and it's insanely expensive to fix (tobiasberg.net)

382 points by TobiasBerg · 155 days ago · 537 comments on HN

Article summary

The author's MacBook Pro keyboard is broken and they are facing a costly repair bill. The keyboard is riveted to the top case, making replacement expensive. The author opted to remap their keyboard instead of paying for the repair. This experience has led them to consider buying a more repairable laptop in the future.

Main themes

  • Laptop repairability
  • Apple product design
  • Cost of repair
  • Consumer electronics
  • Warranty and insurance

What commenters say

  • Some commenters argue that the issue of riveted keyboards is not unique to Apple products and is a common problem in the laptop industry.
  • Others believe that the cost of repair is a significant issue and that manufacturers should design products with repairability in mind.
  • There is disagreement over the value of AppleCare, with some arguing it is a good investment for peace of mind and others claiming it is not worth the cost.
  • Some commenters have had positive experiences with AppleCare, while others have been denied coverage due to minor damage or other issues.
  • The cost of repairing certain components, such as the logic board, can be extremely high and may be a significant factor in the decision to purchase AppleCare.
  • Some argue that the probability of multiple repairs being needed over the lifespan of a device justifies the cost of AppleCare, while others believe it is still not a good value.