5 reasons the future of computing is modular

Computing has long been a place where modularity rules, but it’s been mostly restricted to the desktop until now. But now laptops are in the mix, thanks to Framework and a few notable OEM efforts, so modularity is back, baby. While OEM efforts faltered after a single generation, Framework is now on its fourth generation of Intel CPU upgrades and has one generation of AMD processors so far. It’s clear that the modular approach has some staying power, and it could become the norm for all computing devices in the future.

5 Longevity and sustainability

Being able to upgrade your laptop means it can last longer

At their core, modular laptops are a sort of modern Ship of Theseus in that every component can be replaced, repaired, upgraded, and changed while still being a laptop. The same laptop that you purchased in the first place. I get attached to my tech over the course of using it for months on end, and I never want to get rid of an old laptop that’s served me well, even if it stops working. Being able to upgrade for more power, or repair broken components would mean I technically wouldn’t need to ever buy a new laptop, just fix the one I already own. Wouldn’t that be a fantastic thing?

We’ve been conditioned to think that old laptops are slow and that we should upgrade to the newest shiny models when that happens. That thinking completely ignores the working parts of that laptop, which might still have some life left. It also contributes to e-waste, which is bad for the environment, and to a culture of disposability.

With a modular laptop, you could upgrade the parts that are slowing it down, or the screen if it has issues, or you want a higher-resolution model. You could replace the keyboard when the keys wear out, or the touchpad, or any other component that you feel is slowing your productivity down. Then you’d have a laptop that’s just as good as the latest model, but one that’s sustainable.

4 The ability to reuse parts

Turning old hardware modules into new uses

Of course, after you’ve upgraded your modular laptop, you’ll always have to decide what to do with the older parts. For Framework, because every main component is on the mainboard, it can be easily put into a case and used as a mini PC. They worked with Cooler Master to create a custom case, and while it reuses your mainboard, it also shows it off with a nice transparent cover. It also has VESA mounting holes, so you can put it onto a stand, monitor arm, or on the wall, giving you more options.

Or, if you’re handy with a 3D printer and some electronics, you can turn that mainboard into a PC gaming handheld or any other number of things that could use an x86-powered mini PC with some serious oomph under the hood.

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3 You can experiment with different CPUs

No more vendor lock-in

The CPU is one of the most important components to decide on when picking a new laptop. After all, it powers everything you’ll be running. It’s also irreversible on most laptops, as the days of user-accessible sockets for putting new CPUs in have been and gone. What if you weren’t bound by the same rules? What if you could open your laptop, unscrew a module, and install a new one with a different CPU?

That’s exactly what the Framework laptop can do, with the mainboard, CPU, and cooling solution all on one easily removable module. Framework sells 24 modules total, ranging from 11th-gen to Core Ultra Intel CPUs, AMD APUs, and an upcoming RISC-V mainboard that we’re excited to see. Now, we know that not everyone will do this, but just the fact that it’s a possibility is exciting in a market that has moved towards very similar-looking machines all powered by the same internals.

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2 Personalization

Pick the ports, screen type, and other things that matter to you

A modular design that lets you change the main hardware is awesome, but it doesn’t have to end there. Just like how you can add almost anything to a USB header on a desktop motherboard, Framework came up with a system of recessed USB-C ports that larger modules slot into. These modules can be USB ports, Ethernet, DisplayPort, HDMI, or SD card readers, or they can come in a variety of funky colors to let your individualism shine through. In that way, your laptop can be refitted for your needs, instead of having to carry dongles around to do the same thing.

It’s not just the ports that can be customized either. The bezel around the screen is held on by magnets, so you can change it at a whim, and there is a selection of display options for matte, glossy, and higher-resolution screens. The keyboard can be swapped if you need a different language or region, and the larger 16-inch model has options for a numpad or macropad alongside the normal keyboard layout or things like LED matrix spacers to add instead.

To be clear, this isn’t something just Framework could do, just that they’re the only laptop maker currently doing so. But think of the possibilities if every laptop manufacturer were to get on board, and you could buy the shell you like from the brand you like and stuff it with hardware from a dozen different makers, just like you can with a modular desktop PC.

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1 It’s better for the environment

Laptops have a terrible track record for repairability

Laptops are a significant source of e-waste, partially because the design and manufacturing processes used to create ever-slimmer notebooks make them hard to repair. They also contain many toxic chemicals in their construction, which shouldn’t be anywhere near a landfill. But sadly, according to the United Nations, very few are actually recycled properly. That’s bad for the environment in many ways, and something needs to be done for future generations.

Modular devices help, as individual parts can be replaced when worn or broken, and it’s not just the components I’ve already discussed that Framework offers for sale. Everything from antennas to hinges and the fasteners that hold the laptop together can be purchased quickly from their own website, making them the king of self-repair at this time.

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Modular laptops could be the future, if more companies decide to make them

From environmental concerns to wanting to keep the same laptop once you’re used to the keyboard, modular laptops could be key to a sustainable future. With cheaper repairs, fewer laptops will end up becoming e-waste. That’s backed up on the other side, with a viable upgrade path for every component you would want to upgrade in a laptop, meaning you could conceivably use the same laptop chassis for your entire life. That’s not a vision shared by many computer companies, as they’d prefer to sell you a new laptop every year, but it should be the vision if we’re working toward sustainable business practices.