Midwest Phone Lab

01/23/2020

This is a wonderful illustration of the need for robust right to repair laws. 19 states are introducing Right To Repair legislation, but Wisconsin is not one of them.
We urge anyone who finds this video troubling to call or write to Rep. Melissa Sargent and Sen. Mark Miller to let them know you support right to repair (link in comments)

The National goes undercover to investigate some of Apple's controversial business practices including allegations of overpriced repair charges and the batte...

09/20/2019

Repair is green, but calling attention to these issues is vital.
We will be closed today in solidarity with those who are fighting on behalf of all of us to create a sustainable future.

We urge all of you to participate and show your support.

From London to New York City and from Perth to Paris, climate activists are taking part in a global general strike on Friday in what is expected to be the biggest day of climate demonstrations in the planet's history.

09/12/2019

Trump's trade war is finally hitting the electronics repair industry.
If the current timeline stays on track, customers will likely see a 15% increase in parts cost as soon as back stock is depleted from US suppliers, and a 30% increase in parts cost come October 2019. Because parts are not cheap to begin with, we recommend getting any repair work done prior to October as the imposed tariffs will soon begin to noticeably hit American consumers in the electronics market.
We will continue to keep our prices as low as possible, but with parts costs on the rise, consumer repair as well as many other industries that rely on parts manufactured overseas are likely to see cost increases across the board until the tariffs are lifted.

08/14/2019

It looks like Apple has built yet another arbitrary restriction into their new phones designed to halt their customers' ability to obtain independent repair for devices they own. As of the release of iOS 13, We will likely no longer be able to offer battery replacements for the affected models (iPhones XR, XS, and XS Max.)
When a company that manufactures and sells devices is allowed to also be the only people able to repair them or replace consumables like batteries, it is a clear conflict of interest. Apple needs to hear from their customers that this is not acceptable.

By activating a software lock on newer iPhones, Apple is announcing a drastic new policy: only Apple batteries go in iPhones, and only they can install them.

07/20/2019

While the FTC prepares to hold a workshop investigating the ways manufacturers restrict third-party repair, we have concerns about a different restriction:

06/20/2019

The right to repair battle trudges on despite a record amount of legislative proposals.

05/07/2019

About once every two weeks someone comes in requesting data recovery after the device containing the only copy of their files gets damaged. Sometimes in these situations the data is recoverable, but for every one instance where data can be salvaged, there's a case where it can't. Losing important data can be catastrophic and data backups are like car insurance: when you don't immediately need it, it might not seem pressing, but the moment you DO need it, not having it can be a disaster.

Given how often we see this tragic situation unfold and the lengths people will go to recover those baby pictures or portfolio files, we strongly recommend that everyone think about a backup plan for the important files on their computers, phones, and tablets so that if disaster strikes, no irreplaceable photos or documents are gone for good. Small preventative measures can save a lot of money and heartache in the end. There are too many options for data backup solutions to cover any of them in a meaningful way in one post, but we're always happy to answer questions if you're not sure how to back up your device. We'd much rather help you back up your files than have to inform you down the road that they can't be recovered.

05/03/2019

We are proud to announce that we have joined the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce as a member business. As a business partially owned by a trans*/non-binary individual, we understand the need for inclusive businesses of all types. We pride ourselves on being an ally to the community and we strongly believe it is important for everyone to feel safe, comfortable and welcome.

We provide high quality phone, tablet, and computer repair service at affordable rates with a great customer service record and transparency that's hard to come by in the industry.

04/22/2019

Sadly, it's no joke that manufacturers do everything they can to shut down repair options for their devices. Repair is Green, but it's not profitable for companies like Microsoft and Apple to let you get your devices fixed. They make their money by selling replacements. The conflict of interest created when 3rd party repair is removed from the equation isn't good for anyone (except the companies who benefit from said conflict of interest)

It is important for all of us as consumers to consider the repairability of a device when making the decision to purchase.

Your phone and laptop are not immortal. One day, something will break. Device manufacturers want you to buy a new device when that happens, instead of repairing the device you already have—and it shows in the design.

04/22/2019

It is nearly impossible to buy a smart phone that is ethically produced. This makes the need for open repair all the more important. Major companies push upgrades rather than repair and use litigation or built in obsolescence to discourage independent businesses from fixing your devices. Smart phone companies have an ethical responsibility to allow customers to fix their own devices, or at least introduce transparency into the repair process. This means it is important for companies to start being honest when something can be fixed rather than pushing an upgrade and, also, that they start allowing customers to use independent technicians who don't have a conflict of interest. It behooves consumers of electronic devices to look at repair options in order to get the most out of their phones rather than jump on every new upgrade that is pushed on them. This helps create a more sustainable environment. It is up to the companies to apply ethical manufacturing and labor practices, and it is up to the consumers of their products to demand that they do so. There is almost nothing that CAN'T be repaired. Please consider repair or buying used as an alternative to yearly upgrades. This helps stop e-waste and is less supportive of systemic labor abuse and the unethical mining of resources.

There's no such thing as an 'ethical smartphone'. At least, not right now.

01/28/2019

It's heckin' cold outside!
Due to weather conditions, we will be operating by appointment only today through Wednesday the 30th.
Our normal store hours will resume on Thursday the 31st.

We can't help you stay warm, but we can help you stay connected. Mention this post for 10% off on all iPhone screen and battery repairs on Thursday January 31st through Friday February 1st.

To book an appointment online, visit us at www.midwestphonelab.com

To schedule a drop-off or pick-up or for any questions you can get in touch with us at (608) 572-7090 or email us at [email protected]

Cell phone, tablet, battery replacement. iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Microsoft Surface and Chrome book repairs. Cracked glass, broken LCD, and more. Full-service repairs and a lifetime warranty. Madison WI