- Follow this blog:
- RSS
- Email Alert
Cracking Open
-
Droid Bionic Teardown: Motorola switches processors, upgrades RAM in final version
Bill Detwiler cracks open the Droid Bionic and finds a different processor and twice as much RAM as Motorola originally planned.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | September 12, 2011, 8:42 AM PDT
-
MacBook Air (2011 11-inch) Teardown: Ultra-efficient internal design
Bill Detwiler cracked open the 11-inch 2011 MacBook Air and found a highly efficient hardware layout that makes the most of the ultra-thin case.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | September 6, 2011, 7:09 PM PDT
-
Lenovo IdeaPad K1 teardown: Easy to open, not so easy to service
The Lenovo IdeaPad K1 has a removable back cover and replaceable battery, but unfortunately it's more difficult to work on than it should be.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | August 31, 2011, 9:28 AM PDT
-
Drobo B800i SAN storage device teardown: Proprietary motherboard with Marvell processor
The Data Robotics Drobo B800i iSCSI SAN storage device is easy to work on, but the manufacturer will likely be your only source for the proprietary hardware.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | August 24, 2011, 9:51 AM PDT
-
HP loses $206 per TouchPad during fire sale
By slashing the TouchPad's price, HP hopes to work off unsold inventory and cut its losses. Here's a look at what the company loses on each unit.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | August 23, 2011, 12:29 PM PDT
-
Acer Iconia Tab teardown: Easy-to-service, 3G-ready
The Acer Iconia Tab has a stylish exterior, but the Android tablet also has a removable back cover, replaceable battery, and 3G-ready internal design.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | August 17, 2011, 9:23 AM PDT
-
Cracking Open Motorola: StarTAC, XOOM, and DVR teardowns
As Google makes plans to buy Motorola Mobility, TechRepublic cracks open old and new Motorola tech, including the classic StarTAC flip phone.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | August 15, 2011, 1:58 PM PDT
-
Roku 2 XS teardown analysis: Smaller device hides significant hardware changes
A new processing platform and consolidated USB/Ethernet controller let the tiny Roku 2 XS deliver 1080p video and run apps like Angry Birds.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | August 10, 2011, 9:49 AM PDT
-
Asus Eee Pad Transformer teardown: Convoluted, but 3G-ready internal design
The Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101's internal design leaves room for a 3G card, but also makes the 10-inch Android tablet difficult to work on.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | August 2, 2011, 1:43 PM PDT
-
Apple Mac Mini 2011 teardown: Goodbye optical drive, hello Thunderbolt port
Apple upgrades the 2011 Mac Mini with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, more RAM, a larger hard drive, and a Thunderbolt port. But, they removed the optical drive.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | July 26, 2011, 4:15 PM PDT
-
MacBook Air (2011 13-inch) Teardown: Evolutionary, not revolutionary
Bill Detwiler cracked open the 13-inch 2011 MacBook Air. Inside the case, he found a few significant hardware upgrades, but the same basic internal layout.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | July 22, 2011, 11:44 AM PDT
-
Toshiba Thrive teardown: Most laptop-like Android tablet
The Toshiba Thrive's full-size ports make it a very laptop-like device, but they also risk making it too big and heavy for some tablet users.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | July 19, 2011, 5:35 PM PDT
-
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 teardown: Daintiest of the Android tablets
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is sleek, sexy, and light, but also delicate and best kept out of harm's way.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | July 13, 2011, 6:51 AM PDT
-
HTC Flyer teardown: A smartphone in tablet's clothing
The HTC Flyer has tablet features, but this 7-inch Android device is built like a smartphone and seems to have been rushed through the design process.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | July 6, 2011, 12:52 PM PDT
-
Teardown of HP TouchPad: Made like a PC and straightforward to repair
The HP TouchPad has a case that's easy to open and replaceable components. This tablet is built more like a PC than an iPad.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | June 29, 2011, 6:43 PM PDT
-
Samsung Series 5 Chromebook cracking open hardware analysis
The Samsung Series 5 is easily disassembled and has replaceable components, but there's at least one surprise inside the first commercial Chromebook.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | June 15, 2011, 8:55 AM PDT
-
Nook 2011 cracking open analysis: Battery replaceable, same processor as Nook Color
Bill Detwiler cracks open the 2011 Nook and discovers that the reader has an easily-replaceable battery and the same processor as the Nook Color.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | June 10, 2011, 11:13 AM PDT
-
27" Apple iMac (2011): Cracking Open hardware analysis
With Intel Sandy Bridge processors and AMD GPUs the 2011 Apple iMacs are powerful all-in-ones. Bill Detwiler analyzes the hardware inside a 27" iMac.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | May 27, 2011, 1:16 PM PDT
-
Samsung Series 9 worthy rival to Apple MacBook Air
Bill Detwiler cracks open Apple's redesigned Mac mini for a look at the hardware inside the new unibody enclosure.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | May 20, 2011, 1:22 PM PDT
-
Video: Go behind the scenes during a TR Dojo Cracking Open
Ever wonder how TechRepublic cracks open the latest tech gadgets? Bill Detwiler gives you a behind-the-scenes look at our TR Dojo teardown process.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | April 26, 2011, 7:02 AM PDT
-
Samsung Galaxy S4 teardown reveals redesigned interior, easier-to-fix phone
Bill Detwiler cracks open the Samsung Galaxy S4, explores the redesigned interior and shows you why it's easier to repair than previous Galaxy phones.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | May 6, 2013, 1:08 PM PDT | Latest comment by awolf@...
-
How to replace a broken laptop screen
A cracked screen can make a laptop unusable. Luckily, you can fix it. Bill Detwiler gives you step-by-step instructions for replacing a broken laptop LCD panel.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | September 6, 2012, 1:31 PM PDT | Latest comment by lajthabalazs@...
-
Google Glass teardown reveals hits and misses on repairability
Bill Detwiler cracks open Google Glass and discovers the wearable computer's sturdy construction also makes repairs impractical.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | May 14, 2013, 8:06 AM PDT | Latest comment by NZJester
-
Nexus 4 teardown: Easy-open case hides LTE hardware surprise
Bill Detwiler shows you how to crack open the LG-built, Google Nexus 4 and uncovers a hardware surprise inside.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | February 11, 2013, 1:35 PM PST | Latest comment by jeffeyg@...
-
PS3 Super Slim teardown reveals hardware changes, but no real upgrades
Bill Detwiler cracks open the PlayStation 3 Super Slim, shows you how Sony redesigned the popular gaming console, and compare the new machine to older PS3 models.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | October 11, 2012, 7:50 PM PDT | Latest comment by pallab1981
-
Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 teardown reveals efficient hardware layout and replaceable battery
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Android tablet has a case that's easy to open, clean internal design, and replaceable battery.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | April 26, 2012, 2:08 PM PDT | Latest comment by mstooley
-
Samsung Galaxy S III teardown reveals easy-open case, difficult-to-fix display
Getting inside the Galaxy S III is easy, but Bill Detwiler shows you why replacing the front panel or display isn't.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | June 21, 2012, 11:34 AM PDT | Latest comment by Aditi Gupta
-
Apple's next-generation Macbook Pro drops Ethernet, optical drive
Apple's next-generation MacBook Pro lacks an Ethernet port or optical drive. Bill Detwiler explains why one missing feature will add $29 to laptop's already high cost.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | June 12, 2012, 8:56 AM PDT | Latest comment by anil_g
-
Pricey Chromebook Pixel: Built well but impractical to upgrade
Bill Detwiler cracks open the Google Chromebook Pixel and shows you why it's easy to open and service, but nearly impossible to upgrade.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | March 14, 2013, 1:25 PM PDT | Latest comment by tdrane
-
Five things you should know before trying to fix a smartphone or tablet
Bill Detwiler shares essential advice for everyone who wants to repair a cracked iPad screen or broken smartphone.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | May 24, 2012, 1:44 PM PDT | Latest comment by suncatTR
-
HTC One X teardown reveals an internal design that isn't DIY repair friendly
Bill Detwiler cracks open the HTC One X, finding an internal design that isn't exactly DIY repair-friendly and a difficult-to-replace battery.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | May 10, 2012, 1:38 PM PDT | Latest comment by JD1500
-
Teardown shows Retina MacBook Pro is nearly impossible to upgrade, difficult to work on
Bill Detwiler shows you why the MacBook Pro with Retina Display is nearly impossible to upgrade, a pain to work on, and lacks an essential Pro feature.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | July 5, 2012, 10:08 PM PDT | Latest comment by steadfastiandi
-
Difficult-to-repair Surface Pro built more like an ultrabook than a tablet
Bill Detwiler cracks open the difficult-to-repair Microsoft Surface Pro and shows you how it's built more like a laptop or ultrabook than a tablet.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | February 21, 2013, 6:59 PM PST | Latest comment by psmithers@...
-
MacBook Air 11-inch (2012) teardown reveals upgraded hardware, same battery/internal design
Bill Detwiler tears down the 2012, 11-inch MacBook Air and shows you how Apple upgraded its hardware without changing the internal design.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | August 9, 2012, 8:46 AM PDT | Latest comment by Nitramd
-
Acer Aspire S3 Teardown: Good hardware, lackluster construction
The Acer Aspire S3 Ultrabook is thin, light and feature rich. But, its build quality and battery life are less than one expects in a premium laptop.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | January 5, 2012, 6:36 PM PST | Latest comment by shriek11
-
Toshiba Excite 10 teardown reveals pure tablet hardware and design
Bill Detwiler cracked open the Excite 10 and found the hardware and internal design of a true tablet, unlike the very laptop-like Toshiba Thrive.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | June 7, 2012, 2:01 PM PDT | Latest comment by wrex@...
-
iPhone 5 teardown: Redesigned case and interior simplify repairs
Bill Detwiler tears down the iPhone 5 and shows you how its redesigned case and interior hardware layout make the phone easier to disassemble and repair.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | September 25, 2012, 4:38 PM PDT | Latest comment by Animal13
-
Asus Transformer Prime Teardown: Solid tablet, but not without flaws
The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is a solid Android tablet, but its case is tricky to open and quality control during assembly needs improvement.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | February 9, 2012, 1:20 PM PST | Latest comment by madstork91
-
Nokia Lumia 900 teardown reveals mediocre hardware, reasons for great price
Nokia's Lumia 900 is an attractive Windows Phone handset, but TechRepublic uncovers hardware that's a step behind the Galaxy Nexus and iPhone 4S.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | April 3, 2012, 6:00 PM PDT | Latest comment by pherphy
-
iPad Mini more difficult to repair than larger iPad
Bill Detwiler shows you how to disassemble the iPad Mini and explains why it's actually more difficult to crack open and repair than the iPad.
Posted by Bill Detwiler | November 12, 2012, 8:17 AM PST | Latest comment by joanniejp
