[293984j29384]

While I agree with the overall idea behind your post, your assumption that the activation lock can be defeated by sheer git and determination is silly. If implemented correctly (and I have no idea if it will be) it's very likely that it won't be bypassed.

[mvanbaak]

If there's a way to bypass it, it will be used. By the authorized recyclers as well as the thieves (including government agencies).

[meddlin]

Yep. This is awfully close to the staring contest between Apple and the US gov't a while back on unlocking iPhones for criminal investigations.

I know--different context--but the technical implementation is similar. Which would suggest the impact of those discussions is larger than previously thought.