By Bob Katzen

U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s unveiled its annual “Failing the Fix” scorecard which rates laptop and cell phone brands based on their “fixabilty.” The scorecard gives companies that make it easy for users to fix their devices a good grade, and those that do not, a poor grade.

Asus finished first with an A- for laptops while Apple and Google led the cell phone rating with each one getting a B-.

“Consumers pay good money for devices, and they deserve ones that can be fixed if they break,” said Lucas Rockett Gutterman of the U.S. PIRG Education Fund. “When it comes to repairability, you don’t always get what you pay for. People want to buy from companies that respect our right to repair and ensure that their devices are designed to last.”

Legislation pending in Massachusetts, filed by Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston) and Sen. Michael Brady (D-Brockton) would give consumers the right to repair for digital devices like phones, laptops and tablets. “At a time when we know Bay Staters are concerned about their pocketbooks and the environment, this bill would be a boon for both,” said Janet Domenitz of MASSPIRG.