Computer Hardware Terms, Glossary and Dictionary

crippleware is a hardware device that has not been designed to its full capability, or a software that has some important functionality deliberately removed. The purpose of the functional limitation in the hardware or software is to encourage consumers to pay for a more expensive version. Usually the hardware device considered to be crippleware can be upgraded to better or its full potential by way of a trivial change, such as removing a jumper. The manufacturer would most likely release the crippleware as a low-end or economy version of their product. With the feature or setting enabled, it would be a second high-end version or upgraded version of the hardware product.

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crippleware