Framework’s Repairable Upgradeable Laptop for a Waste-Free Future

In an era where almost every aspect of our lives has gone digital, carrying around or at least having our laptops beyond our reach everywhere is far from unusual. This has become especially true ever since the work-from-anywhere culture started brewing. Even if we do stay home, it has become more common for household members to own personal laptops instead of having the whole house share a computer.

Currently, most laptops are known to stay perfectly functional for about four to five years, warranting a whole replacement afterward, causing users to throw their devices out entirely. As devices we constantly use, they are also bound to require (sometimes expensive) repairs along the way. This whole array can not only be costly for users but can also negatively impact the environment, with electronic waste being at an all-time high at the moment.

Although more people are coming up with ways to help cut down on electronic waste, whether by recycling or donating unused laptops, the issue worth noting is, for something so heavily used in our society, why isn’t repairability something users can access more easily and affordably? And when many products seem to be designed to be unfixable, but replacement is wasteful, what can be done?

One of the solutions many have tried but failed to execute is developing and providing user-repairable laptops from the get-go to users so they would have a less difficult time restoring their devices. This is what a hardware startup Framework has managed to offer its customers, by developing products with easy repairability for the betterment of user access and the environment, all at the same time.

Longevity and Sustainability

CEO Nirav Patel founded Framework in late 2019. With awareness of the electronics industry’s lack of longevity in its products, the former Apple and Oculus/Facebook engineer felt that it was time to design electronic devices, specifically laptops, that are meant to last.

As technology advances, we notice that gadgets have become more complex. Switching the dead batteries of our flip phones used to be simple, and now most smartphones require tweaks that we can’t perform on our own. The same applies to laptops.

Whether the issue’s a busted screen or a degrading life battery, getting them repaired has become a more complicated and expensive solution compared to getting a new laptop. According to Framework, we create over fifty million tons of electronic waste each year globally, and though improving recycling can become a viable solution, Framework’s mission is to generate less waste by developing its long-lived, upgradeable, and repairable laptops.

Stylish and Highly Modular

Framework’s product model allows users to mix and match electronic components that can be easily upgraded. At the moment, Framework has 13” and 16” laptops, with the 16”’s processor being AMD Ryzen and two processor options for the 13”, an Intel Core or an AMD Ryzen. Both versions provide a DIY or Pre-built option, allowing users to either have Windows pre-installed or bring their own OS or Linux.

The models are incredibly versatile and customizable from the get-go in terms of both hardware and software. Users can choose the amount of memory and storage, the language on its keyboard, and the ports included on the sides, all based on their needs.

Framework’s laptops are also open to configuration and upgrades. If users feel the need for more memory, a bigger drive, or want to switch out their USB ports from A to C, it can be easily done with a single screwdriver included in Framework’s product box. Patel has even stated that swapping out the CPU is very much possible. Though that would require users to replace the motherboard, Framework makes the service relatively affordable.

Dedication Towards Repairability

The flexibility and openness that Framework has proven to provide presents the idea that repairability is highly possible. What plays a monumental role is focus and dedication.

While many have attempted but failed to build and sell laptops with easily interchangeable parts, Framework succeeded by not merely dabbling in repairability but by making it the core of Framework’s existence.

With this business model, Framework has built quite a reputation and caught the attention of Right to Repair* activist Louis Rossmann, who visited Framework’s booth at the Vancouver LTX Expo last July and praised Framework’s product.

*Right to Repair: A legislative movement seeking to make it easier and cheaper for consumers to fix their products by requiring manufacturers to share repair information, provide diagnostic tools, and supply service parts (to third parties).

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Well-known for his support and contribution towards the Right to Repair movement throughout the years, Rossmann’s praise presents Framework’s integrity and credibility.

More big tech companies like Apple and Microsoft are starting to show more support towards the Right to Repair movement by supporting legislation and bills to make fixing devices easier and more accessible. However, there is no doubt that Framework has slowly built a significant path forward for more user-repairable products and better consumer electronics.

Framework's most recent funding round was its series A of $18 million in early 2022, with Spark Capital as the lead investor and Spark from Oculus as the leading man as well. Alongside them were Pathbreaker Ventures, Anorak Ventures, and Formic Ventures, who also participated in Framework’s Seed round.

With the collected funds, Framework aims to maximize its capabilities to continue creating products that are better for consumers and less harmful to the environment.

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