In defense of the non-rooter

With the large rise in smartphone usage (read that as massive growth), many are rooting or jailbreaking their phones to get the maximum potential out of their phone. Despite people claiming it is their right to do what they want with their devices, is there really a benefit? For all the benefits, I think there is a greater reason not to. Jump the break to find out why.

Smartphones have become just as powerful as computers and in some instances replacing them. Most high end smartphones are actually as expensive as lower end laptops. If consumers are having to pay so much, why is it they can't do what they want with their property? This is the mentality that many tech people feel because they have the right to do with what they own. While I too feel that a consumer should be able to use and toy with what they own, there are many reasons that prevent me from rooting my phone.

I recently purchased a new phone and while there are drawbacks to the phone, overall I am pretty happy. Despite knowing that I could make my phone better by rooting it, I won't. To put it simply it is because of contracts. Spending so much money on a device which will be in constant use, tends to make me a bit of a worry wart. I am a rather obsessive person when it comes to taking care of my possessions. Heck, even though I have never lost or damaged any phone before, I was suckered into buying the warranty plan (a poor decision on any scale).

While those specific reasons are my personal problems, there is a greater reason why people do not hear about rooting their devices. When purchasing something now a days, it comes with a contract. Should the device break for any reason, it would be generally covered by the warranty that comes with the product. To try and get out of honoring the warranty, companies place numerous ways to void such warranty. Probably the easiest way to void a warranty is to tamper with your device, even if you payed a large sum of money for it. All of this plays right into my fears, that some unpredictable disaster should strike and render my phone useless and if I have rooted my device that I would not be able to replace it without paying an even larger fee. 

I suppose this is the main reason why companies play off this fear, despite me seeing many people not taking care of their devices, there are countless others who are about as worried as I am. Not playing by the rules is one way for companies to punish those who decide to mess around with their device. Should this be continued? Of course not, but when there is such a firm grip, how are consumers supposed to break free?

Despite trying to play by the rules, I know that try as hard as I may, companies are always looking for ways to get out of replacing or fixing a device in order to make me spend more money. As all should know, money makes the world go round. Bottom line is all companies pay attention, so they are never there to actually make a good deal for the consumer.

Basically, the main point I am trying to get across is that there are reasons (as pointless as they may seem) for not rooting a phone or other electronic. I've gotten a few remarks asking why I bother dealing with the garbage installed on my device. Simply put I'd rather not get screwed over more by those looking to increase their profit margins.

It seems like more people are willing to put out thoughts on why rooting devices are better for the consumer, yet they always seem to forget about the other arguments. Should you agree, that's great, but should you disagree then well I suppose I'm probably not going to change your mind. Thanks for your time.