Framework has opened pre-orders for a new laptop that ticks the holy grail of hardware boxes: it’s upgradable, repairable, and customizable.
Of course, many laptops are upgradable, repairable, and customizable, but only to a certain degree. The Framework Laptop uses a modular design that will make it easy for almost anyone to maintain or soup up their hardware without requiring a trip to the local PC shop.
Framework Laptop Promises Modular Design
The Framework Laptop is a 13.5″ ultraportable notebook. It comes with four different starting configurations, all of which use the latest Intel 11th Gen processors, and comes with a tidy 2256×1504 display and a 1080p 60 FPS webcam.
Particularly of interest is the DIY Edition, a barebones frame to which you can add Framework hardware modules, or if it suits, add your own hardware when the laptop arrives on your doorstep. The DIY Edition is highly customizable, allowing you to choose memory, storage, and Wi-Fi adapters.
On each Framework Laptop, you can switch between expansion ports using Framework’s Expansion Card system. There are four potential slots, from which you can add USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, and additional storage slots.
Most interestingly of all is the swappable mainboard. One of the biggest laptop repair issues is the difficulty of switching out laptop CPUs or the entire motherboard when you want to upgrade. The Framework Laptop mainboard is replaceable, meaning you can upgrade to a new CPU generation when they arrive.
Talking to VentureBeat, Framework founder Nirav Patel said:
The goal here is to give consumers back the power to be able to use the products for as long as they would like to. If you go back into the history of computing, that’s what the default was. You bought a machine with the expectation that it was not a sealed box, and it was an item that you could modify, update, and upgrade
Another cool facet of the open and customizable approach to laptop design is that in time, Framework will open a Framework Marketplace, allowing anyone to design and sell compatible products to other users.
Framework Aims to Reduce E-Waste and Boost Repairability
The right-to-repair is a hot topic. Giant tech companies have made it difficult to repair everyday electronics in recent years, even going so far as to prosecute small repair shop owners for fixing devices.
There is a culture of fear surrounding device repairs. The difficultly of obtaining proper parts and the lack of detailed information on completing repairs safely and effectively forces many hardware owners to throw broken hardware into landfill rather than seeking out what could be a simple repair—if only the access were there.
Framework wants to rebalance the right to repair and upgrade hardware, making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about the hardware they own and, in many cases, pay thousands of dollars for. Framework Laptops are now open for pre-order in the US, with limited support for European and Asian countries coming later in 2021.