[Miamoo]

What is your thought on buying a modular laptop?
There is a great demand for computers that are easily fixed and upgradable with people preferring right to repair. With a modular laptop you can upgrade or replace components to keep your system running for years. Modular laptop design where most major components are either directly replaceable or relatively easy to repair is available in the market.

[Dismas]

Desktop computers are a great example of modularity. Unfortunately, laptops don't have the same amount of standardization and many parts are proprietary. Different screws, different dimensions, and really dumb consumers. You also end up with the problem that some parts are soldered to the motherboard (making swapping a nuisance).

Some startups have tried to make mobile phones modular, but it hasn't reached mainstream popularity. Sadly companies prefer to leave things non-standardized, so that people will buy a new version every 3-5 years. Steve Wozniak recently caught flak for backing the "right to repair", which is a similar concept.

[Drako]

Absolutely. If you own the product, you should be able to modify it in any way you'd like.

Ironically I just recently watched a video from Linus Tech Tips on a new laptop brand called framework. And from everything I could gather from that video, I would go and order one right now... If I had the money.

Framework provides modularity that I've never seen in any modern laptop before. If you don't believe me, I definitely recommend you watch the linked video.

[mothered]

Thread moved from the Serious Discussion forum to The Lounge.

[Dismas]

Absolutely. If you own the product, you should be able to modify it in any way you'd like.

Ironically I just recently watched a video from Linus Tech Tips on a new laptop brand called framework. And from everything I could gather from that video, I would go and order one right now... If I had the money.

Framework provides modularity that I've never seen in any modern laptop before. If you don't believe me, I definitely recommend you watch the linked video.

Right now their range of parts are very limited, but something like this would be really good.

[Marshland]

I love the concept of a modular laptop, especially when it comes to repairability. My current laptop is fine for daily tasks, however the battery is simply crap after years of heavy use. The costs of replacing it by an authorized service far outweighs the benefits tho

[mothered]

My current laptop is fine for daily tasks, however the battery is simply crap after years of heavy use.

It's the case with just about every laptop.

I've been a heavy user for a number of decades and after 2-3 years, there's a significant decline In battery performance.

[Boudica]

Absolutely. If you own the product, you should be able to modify it in any way you'd like.

Ironically I just recently watched a video from Linus Tech Tips on a new laptop brand called framework. And from everything I could gather from that video, I would go and order one right now... If I had the money.

Framework provides modularity that I've never seen in any modern laptop before. If you don't believe me, I definitely recommend you watch the linked video.

This looks amazing. While I agree with Oni, that it would be good if there was a larger range of parts - But I'm still very impressed.

Often, great ideas are laughed to scorn or dismissed in their early stages. Just because these products aren't mainstream now, doesn't mean they won't be in years down the line. They could be doing the early work that becomes the building blocks for the new standard. I'd love to support these companies.

There is legislation being introduced by the EU to ensure companies provide products that are repairable for up to 10 years after they go to market. I suspect this pressure on companies will only increase as consumers demand it more.

[Marshland]

My current laptop is fine for daily tasks, however the battery is simply crap after years of heavy use.

It's the case with just about every laptop.

I've been a heavy user for a number of decades and after 2-3 years, there's a significant decline In battery performance.

True, thats why batteries will probably stay glued in laptops and phones and be difficult to replace. Its the part that degrades the fastest so more sales...

[mothered]

True, thats why batteries will probably stay glued in laptops and phones and be difficult to replace. Its the part that degrades the fastest so more sales...

Absolutely.

In terms of laptops, It forces users to purchase the entire unit, which Is obviously a bigger profit for the manufacturer.