iPad Pro M1. I use it rarely. Anything I can’t do on my phone I use my MacBook or pc. Consuming media is better on my laptop display, and easier to type/navigate. It just doesn’t really serve a purpose.
Take Volkswagen vehicles (VW/Audi, mainly). Nearly every electronic module in the car that you'd want to replace has component protection, making it literally impossible for a non-dealer to replace it since you need access to VAG servers to get the token to code the module for the car VIN. I had this experience recently with a CAN bus controller module that just randomly failed. $3k at the dealer. I would have preferred to do it myself but there is no way.
VW didn't key components for a long time, but a VW Golf was uninsurable in certain cities in the Netherlands because airbags and navigation units were stolen multiple times per year in some instances. Sometimes the thieves waited just a few weeks until most cars in a neighborhood had replaced the stolen components and made another run...
I couldn't believe it when my wife's '16 GTI (base) needed a new battery, and I realized for non-base models, the BATTERY is coded and needs dealer programming to be replaced.
Our '08 Caravan had the ABS module die, and try as I might with 3 or 4 independent mechanics, had to go back to Dodge/FCA to get it reprogrammed for the car to accept the new module.
Yes, the battery needs coding to tell the car about its capacity, battery type, etc. to optimize the charging. Fortunately coding modules is not completely locked behind dealer-only tools (see VCDS https://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/VCDS.php), but it is very inconvenient for the non-enthusiast who probably doesn't want to spend $200 on a tool to code their battery.
I know about ross-tech, etc. and the "official" reason for it (I've been an enthusiast for 35 years). It's my wife's car who will not stand for any mods (she doesn't even shift into sport mode) so it would be wasted $$.
Why can other cars get away without this specific charging knowledge? Is it because , in true VW fashion, they specced the minimally-acceptable battery size and need to have optimized charging to mitigate the under-sized battery? Just like VW has under-specced wiring for decades.. Seems pretty suspect..
I agree with that, more or less. Just wish it was more commonly doable outside of going to a chrysler dealer stuck in the 70s. Had to take our newer FCA van there for a head-rest recall. They insisted on a huge inspection to approve it, then weeks to order it, then lost the order due to the multi-dealer malware incident, etc, etc.. Even the headrest needed some kind of electrical hookup or something - I guess having it "pop out" in an accident let them get away without seat airbags or something.
This is the same dealership that, when I asked about "30K mile maintenance" for our '08 Van (with the venerable, proven 3.8 engine) recommended (in addition to oil change, obviously), spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission flush, brake fluid flush, etc. I.e. a $700+ service for a van 2.x years old. And most of those were NOT on the Dodge service requirements.
Thank you for the response, I was missing important context. I came across this scrolling through the WAC page. I found a few articles that clear it up as well:
"Effective January 1, 2025, exempt computer professionals paid at an hourly rate must be paid at least $58.31 per hour in order to be exempt." [0]
"...or $58.31 per hour and be exempt from overtime pay." [1]
In 2025 computing professionals are supposed to be paid at least 116k in Washington state in order to be classified as an exempt employee. If they don't do this, they have to reclassify you as non-exempt or else you have a legal case and backpay is warranted. In Seattle this is likely to be higher since Seattle's minimum wage is higher.
Listen to actual lawyers which are causing awareness of this.
A big thing that concerns me is the absurd levels of tint people are putting on their windows.
I bought a used car last year that came with 20% all around, and I removed it from the front windows almost immediately. It was so insanely hard to see outside at night properly, especially in dim or unlit areas. How do people with less than that see? I guess they don’t.
It doesn't bother me in my case since it's not my main monitor. I have a high refresh rate main monitor, and an ancient 60hz (1680x1050) second monitor. I don't notice it because I'm rarely dragging windows around on the second monitor.
I don't notice it on my phone either. However, I purposely got a high refresh rate laptop because of this concern. I think it depends on two things: The size of the screen, and how often you'll be looking at it.
I'm a bit younger than you, but I have had a similar realization. I love programming, but sitting around all day at a desk does not seem fun for the next several decades, and really doesn't do my social/mental health much good, despite the amount of money.
So, I'm working to become a pilot instead. It's expensive, time consuming, competitive, and probably won't see six figures for half a decade or more. But, it's a heck of a lot more meaningful than sitting at my desk all day.
Just thought I'd share my situation and solution since it's relatively similar. All the best.
