A good argument for having replaceable batteries is that this recall could be done by just sending new batteries to everyone. Now, they have to replace entire devices.
For the record, I'm nominally in favor of "replaceable batteries". But I also don't see how having to open a case makes a battery "non-replaceable", either. If I had to choose between easily-replaceable batteries or easier to open cases that didn't use snap-fit, I'd choose the latter.
In addition to the back panel being glass, the above means that without the proper tools, I would not recommend self-service.
... snap-fit, glue, welding, staples, rivets, plastic push-clips, and any other assembly mechanism which undoing causes the device to be structurally damaged, cosmetically damaged, or necessitates buying new non-standard fasteners for each open.
General point is that the battery itself isn't so special compared to opening the rest of the device. Even on my i9500 with a standard "removable battery", the plastic clips which hold on the back cover have started to break off because they must have been designed for 20 insertion cycles. We don't need a "modular smartphone", we simply need assholes to stop "designing" them as if they're disposable.
Self-threading plastic screws aren't bad as long as you always back-thread them when reassembling. Soft thread-lock as used on eg Thinkpads is about the borderline of acceptability, and that's only because if you open your device enough you aren't really worried about a screw loosening over time.
So...I now have two Shield tablets.
One of each can explode any time and cause injuries to people around it. Totally worth $150...
Issue #1234: Idiotic non-removable battery
Phase found: Requirements
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