[weknowbetter]

If this is something you're curious about I highly recommend the YouTube channel Strange Parts. One of their most popular videos features their host building an iPhone from parts sourced in the markets of Shenzhen.

https://youtu.be/aQszF2iKhx0

[nataz]

This guy knows what he is talking about. Strange parts is a fascinating watch. The classic videos are him building an iPhone from components, and then modding it to have extra features like a headphone jack. He also has done some factory tours, and recently did a series where he went to Akihabara in Japan. Great series. I found him on YouTube after reading bunnies blog but wanting more.

If this kind of stuff interests you, I also recommend YouTubers like tronicsfix. He'll buy batches of broken electronics (20 switches in the link below) troubleshoot, and repair then. None of the stuff strange parts and tronicfix is doing is particularly difficult. I think my enjoyment of these stems from the mental shift I've experienced of not treating electronics as consumables.

Normally, if I had a switch and it stopped working out of warranty, I'd probably toss it. Now, I might break out the meter and test the video chip (or other components) and see if I could replace it. Yay for learning new things.

https://youtu.be/EP65185uGiA

[remarkEon]

Definitely just spent more than an hour running through his videos. Thanks.

I've been avoiding China for a visit, but now I need to check it out after watching those.