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by PrimeMcFly 1077 days ago
Make it so the main account it belongs to can't be removed/disabled, but can't be used to install new software, and location history can't be disabled.

Give owners a chance to reclaim it, but allow some degree of use over just bricking it.
1 comments
newaccount74 1077 days ago
I think the main reason for using activation lock is to make stolen products worthless. If there's a way to use stolen devices, then they'll be worthwhile to steal.
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PrimeMcFly 1077 days ago
There's a middleground between fully useable and brick though.

Not being able to remove or use the main account and having location history always on would go a long way.

People can be trained not to buy a device where the main account can't be removed or the device can't be factory reset, and having the location unable to be disabled would deter a lot of thieves.

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newaccount74 1076 days ago
I don't want a middle ground, I want stolen devices to be 100% brick until returned to the owner.

If you want to buy & sell used Macs, you need to check them first to see if they are locked. Just like you'd check if the keys work before buying a used car.

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PrimeMcFly 1076 days ago
> I want stolen devices to be 100% brick until returned to the owner.

Which is just contributing to the ewaste problem. What I proposed has now downsides unless you want to be petty.

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newaccount74 1076 days ago
- A stolen device that is 100% brick has zero value, so there is no incentive to steal it.

- A stolen device that can be used with some limitations can be sold for a higher price, so there is a much higher incentive to steal it.

Call me petty all you want, but if you steal my Mac I'd much prefer it to end up in a landfill rather than have the thief make money from it. If they can't sell them, they'll stop stealing them at some point.

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PrimeMcFly 1076 days ago
> A stolen device that is 100% brick has zero value, so there is no incentive to steal it.

Clearly false. The parts still have value.

> A stolen device that can be used with some limitations can be sold for a higher price, so there is a much higher incentive to steal it.

A thief has less incentive to use something that is constantly broadcasting its location in a way that can't be disabled.

> I'd much prefer it to end up in a landfill rather than have the thief make money from it.

Environment be damned, right?

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