Navigating the iFixit website and buying replacement parts can be a somewhat overwhelming experience. So, iFixit is introducing a new Device Compatibility Checker to further reduce the guesswork involved in device repair.
The Device Compatibility Checker is a surprisingly rich resource for device repair. At the surface level, it just tells you whether or not a replacement part will work with your device—press the “Search” button on a product listing, type in the name of your device, and you’ll be met with one of three alerts; “this fits,” “this does not fit,” or the ambiguous “this might fit.”
“In today’s world, electronics and gadgets come in a dizzying array of models and variations. Take laptops, for example: Sure, okay, you’ve got a Lenovo ThinkPad. But when you go to try to figure out which one you’ve got, they all look like basically identical black rectangles with the classic red Trackpoint mouse in the middle of the keyboard. Even within a given model, there might be small yet significant differences—maybe in the generation of processor, keyboard design, or placement of internal connectors.
If you don’t know the exact model number of your device—a common problem when dealing with laptops, appliances, and other products—iFixit will help you figure it out. The expanded Device Compatibility page explains where to find the model number or serial number for a range of devices, and it provides visual identifiers for products that do not have printed model numbers (this is especially useful when dealing with a device that won’t turn on, as some products hide their model and serial numbers in software).
I imagine that this functionality will be useful to everyone, not just iFixit shoppers. If you use the Device Compatibility Checker to find a new laptop battery, for example, you can copy-paste the battery’s model number into a search engine to find other resellers. Some of the components sold by iFixit aren’t sold elsewhere, though, so it just depends on what you’re shopping for. And, anyway, iFixit’s prices are pretty good, especially if you need to buy tools alongside replacement parts.
“We know that when you need a fix, you don’t want to second-guess every purchase. That’s why we built the Device Compatibility Checker: to cut through the noise and give you a clear, instant indicator about whether a replacement part is right for your specific model.”
For those who are wondering, the Device Compatibility Checker does not require an account. Though I should note that the Workbench feature on iFixit’s website, which does require an account, makes it even easier to find the right guides and parts for your devices. Workbench is integrated with the Device Compatibility Checker, so if you regularly use the iFixit website, I strongly suggest that you set up a login and get a Workbench going.
The Device Compatibility Checker is live on the iFixit website. iFixit is soliciting customer feedback for this new feature, so if you’ve got anything to say, reach out via customer support or leave a comment on the company’s blog.
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Source: iFixit
