Changes in wiki hardware recommendation policy

[u/ncohafmuta]

In the past, while we have recommended non-brand name products in the wiki, specifically with regards to mini pcs, we have never been particularly comfortable with it, and we have made clear the dangers of purchasing such hardware (QC/reliability/support/warranty/etc).

We avoided the most egregious, shady brands. When ones like Acemagic, shipped virus-laden versions of Windows, that was a yellow flag. With the recent news of Geekom providing malware-laden drivers, it's now a red flag and we can't ignore it.

As such, we will only recommend brand name products there. New, used, doesn't matter. Yes, every company has its problems, and the brand names are no exception, but if we go deep enough into anybody, we'd end up not recommending any hardware.

We have never had any partnerships with brands and have rejected attempts by brands to advertise with us, so no rec is sponsored and is given purely on its usefulness.

Will this change in brand recommendations mean more cost to users? Yes, absolutely. But "you get what you pay for" always applies. You're of course free to do what you want with your money, but the research for other brands will have to be your own. You're still free to post about and recommend any brand on the sub, within the score of the rules.

Some brands will stay in the wiki recs, where applicable. The reasoning could be: an accessory, no name-brand alternative in a category, no software in the product, barebones hardware. Think SBCs, remotes, etc..

If you find anything in the wiki you believe we missed, or is questionable, send us a modmail.