Isn't `bricked then recovered` a contradiction in terms?
To give an example, certain dead devices can be saved after being baked in the oven to re-seat components that have worked loose. According to the "No True Bricking" argument that constantly comes up, those devices were never really bricked because they were later fixable, even though you're literally performing a re-manufacturing step.
In fact what exactly would a "True Bricking" look like? Even in cases where a major component dies, if you desolder it, and re-solder a new one is that a "True Bricking?"
See I have zero patience for the "No True Bricking" stuff since it is a logical Swiss cheese.
I've recovered and hacked devices for friends using software. Especially phones which have recovery functions I can use but I've also hacked some older game consoles. I can't do anything if electronics skills are required though. At that point it becomes specialized repair work.
I suppose nothing's really bricked if you're smart enough. Just desolder a chip, reprogram it and resolder it back in? I don't know how. I tried to learn what I could but it turned out hardware is a lot harder than software.
But given the extent of the required work to recover the device here (actual hardware work, non-trivial and not for a layperson) then I think it’s appropriate.
Not a hill I’m going to die on but it does kind of bother me when someone describes their device as bricked and all they need to do is plug it in and run some kind of simple restore utility or otherwise.
This feels a bit like the word "bug"; I'd be quite interested to know if it can be traced to its actual first use.
People associate it with phones because as I remember they were always being described as the size (and weight) of a brick, and that's when they were working.
60% of the time it works every time.
Edit: some people had success on 50th attempt[1], talk about perseverance ;)
[1] http://nokiahacking.pl/naprawianie-niewlaczajacego-sie-telef...
If yes to above, then what about using an in-circuit programmer?
If yes to above then what about having to move a jumper to get a ROM monitor?
If yes to above then what about having to enter some magic button combination at boot?
The line is fuzzy, no?
I lost that personal battle for 'hacker' and 'begs the question' but dammit I am sticking to it for 'brick'!!
Because nothing is unfixable. If bricked means unfixable, even with expert attention and unlimited replacements, then bricking is a meaningless term that only applies if you, like, atomize the device.
Otherwise...
There's the point where you have to replace a part entirely, but you might be able to steal that part from elsewhere in the device.
There's the point where you need entirely new parts.
There's the point where fixing costs more than the device is worth.
There's the point point where fixing costs more than the device was brand new.
Is one of the above a good threshold?
Would you pick something else?
Do you disagree about things being unfixable?
Well that is what I am sticking with, too!
To me, the device is bricked. It does not turn on and I can not fix it. But to the OEM it simply requires a factory reset. IMO bricked to me means that the device does not boot and there isn't a button combo factory reset option available. To the vast majority of people, this is completely broken beyond repair to them.