When it comes to improving the sustainability of consumer electronics, there’s a growing movement to design devices with a focus on upgradability and repairability that can extend their longevity, instead of just making them easier to recycle after a few years of use.
At one time, nearly every laptop maker was caught up in a race to create ultrathin designs, resulting in hardware that was difficult to upgrade and expensive to repair. But in recent years, several companies have demonstrated that laptops can be designed so that users can upgrade and easily swap out parts as needed.
Innovative companies like Framework have been producing laptops that don’t need to be entirely replaced every few years, and with more success than other companies previously following similar pursuits. In 2021, Dell was sued over its Alienware laptop that promised GPU upgrades, while Intel has abandoned a couple of modular hardware products, including its Compute Cards.
For now, it’s primarily Framework leading the charge, but its success has inspired competitors like Lenovo to follow suit. As more companies dedicate R&D to the cause, Framework may one day no longer be the only brand associated with modular devices.
You can stay on top of all the latest upgradable and easily repairable device news and developments right here.
Framework’s open source RISC-V laptop mainboard is now available.
Intel still dreams of modular PCs — it brought a tablet laptop gaming handheld to CES
Dell’s new USB-C ports use screws instead of solder so you can fix them yourself.
The Framework Laptop 16 just got a modular gadget that enables quadruple SSDs
You can now accessorize your Framework laptop with Lego.
Framework Laptop 16, six months later
The Framework Laptop 13 is about to become one of the world’s first RISC-V laptops
Compression-mounted laptop RAM is fast, efficient, and upgradeable
Framework won’t be just a laptop company anymore
The Framework Laptop has a firmware update problem — but maybe not for long?
Framework is selling a cheap modular laptop
Framework will send us another Framework Laptop 16 — and here’s what it will fix.
Framework Laptop 16 review: two weeks with the ultimate modular laptop
AMA: I reviewed the Framework Laptop 16, ask me anything at 12PM ET!
Framework Laptop 13 (AMD) review: buy this one — if you can
Lenovo exec promises 80 percent of its devices will be consumer-repairable by 2025
Framework is finally working on a full-size SD card module
How Dell dodged a class action suit over Alienware Area-51m GPU upgrades
Intel mini NUC computers get a second life thanks to Asus
Lenovo ponders repairable laptops with Project Aurora.
Intel is quitting on its adorable, powerful, and upgradable mini NUC computers
Framework Laptop 13 review: a DIY dream come true
Finally, you can put an AMD processor in the Framework Laptop
Framework’s computers aren’t perfect, but they are exciting
The Framework Laptop 16 is trying to bring back snap-on removable batteries
I nearly bought a Framework Laptop, but logistical realities got in the way
Framework announces Laptop 16 — and promises ‘holy grail’ of upgradable graphics
This $39 Cooler Master case turns your old Framework Laptop parts into a tiny PC
Framework now sells 2TB Steam Deck upgrade drives
Custom build turns the Framework Laptop into a triple-screen powerhouse
Lenovo’s new ThinkBook has modular accessories that add LTE, a webcam light, and more
Dell’s repairable Concept Luna laptop has a long road ahead of it
Framework’s new Chromebook is upgradable and customizable
O no, Lenovo doesn’t like Framework’s circular power button
Framework Laptop (2022) review: promises kept
Framework’s new laptop means the promise of modular gadgets might be coming true
You can now buy a Framework mainboard and turn it into the weird computer of your dreams
Modular Framework laptop gets a marketplace for all those modules
This is Beast Canyon, the evolution of Intel’s modular mini gaming PC
Framework Laptop review: pick your ports
Preorders for the modular Framework Laptop are now open, starting at $999
The Framework Laptop is an upgradable, customizable 13-inch notebook coming this spring
The Alienware Area-51m’s upgradable dream has failed in just one year
Intel NUC 9 Extreme review: small size, big potential
Intel is trying once again to make modular computers happen
Intel abandons development of modular Compute Cards
Alienware’s Area-51m modular CPU and GPU upgrades can add up to a $4,000 laptop
