A repair shop’s guide to surviving RAMageddon
Summary
David Pierce and Leo Mastrullo discuss "Ramageddon," the surge in computer part prices driven by AI demand, and its impact on gadget repairs. They cover right-to-repair progress, the shift toward device subscriptions, and practical advice on whether to fix, upgrade, or keep aging tech. The episode also features news on camera-equipped AirPods, Palantir’s air traffic contracts, and the US launch of the Fairphone 6 Plus.
Topics discussed
Intro: Ramageddon Survival Guide and Leo Mastrulloia
90 Seconds: AirPods cameras, Air Traffic AI, Fairphone, Google data
Consumer reaction to rising tech prices and parts shortages
When to repair vs. upgrade: Batteries, old iPhones, and Right to Repair
Ownership debates: Tech companies, safety excuses, and EVs
Carrier financing traps and why people keep broken phones
Laptop repairs: Soldered RAM, storage issues, and backup advice
Parts inventory challenges and the risks of foldable phones
Game: Deal with it, Fix it, or Upgrade (Consoles, iPhones, Laptops)
Windows 11 bloat, subscription fatigue, and the rise of Linux
iPad repair advice and show outro
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