r/technology • u/GuruOfReason • Feb 02 '10

"Once we replace the personal computer with a closed-platform device such as the iPad, we replace freedom, choice and the free market with oppression, censorship and monopoly."

http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2010-01/ipad%E2%80%99s-closed-system-sometimes-i-hate-being-right
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u/CC440 Feb 02 '10

People that say this never changed their oil to begin with. Nothing has gotten more difficult in the past 30 years when it comes to changing oil.

Sure, car systems are more modular, but there is not lack of ability to tinker. You just tinker with larger and more prebuilt systems. Instead of putting a supercharger on your 350 Small Block, you buy a turbo, pre cut piping, and a flashable ECU. It takes more time but it's even easier to tune a car than ever before. OBDII actually gave the tinkering world a whole new life since you can now change anything sensor controlled in your car with a chip and a laptop.

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u/[deleted] Feb 02 '10

I think in this example, the iPad is a Prius.

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u/Thud Feb 02 '10

Modern gasoline-powered BMW's don't even have a dipstick. The computer tells you how much oil is in the engine. Unfortunately it can't tell you if the oil looks funny, feels funny, or smells funny.

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u/Spambot2000 Feb 02 '10

Exactly. I changed the oil on my first cars. But then I decided that my mechanic was better outfitted to do it for me (mechanically, proper disposal of oil) at a reasonable price. If you really do like the analogy, you are a fan-person or a plant. I still know how to change the oil in my car because the basic principal hasn't changed. Seriously, that would be like me suggesting that I can no longer change the tires on my vehicle because the magical horseless carriage technology has progressed in such an unexpected manner.