Are laptops with upgradeable parts the future?

When debating between a laptop and a desktop computer, those who preferred a permanent workstation often stressed one of its main advantages: the ability to upgrade. Many desktop PCs allow you to change the processor, RAM and hard drive while removing TC Bolts when necessary and allow you to customize your settings.  bolts.answerhop

But you just don't have this kind of functionality on most laptops, where the components are often attached and inaccessible to most users. When the performance of a laptop slows down or you are running out of space, the most common is usually to buy a device that best meets your needs.

But what if you can have the benefits of portability and the ability to upgrade at the same time? It is something that they are exploring from the San Francisco Framework startup , which ensures that their first laptop can be easily customized, updated and repaired.

The keyword here is "easily", which suggests that the Laptop Framework does not need extensive technical knowledge to change its internal parts. It is not the first upgradeable laptop (many gaming devices have already experimented with this idea), but never before has a company focused so much on hardware as this.

With growing concerns about e-waste and the sustainability of technology, it could be a good way to extend the life of devices. But after a few wrong starts, will this idea finally take off? These are some pros and cons to keep in mind.   tc-bolts.dyifo



Pro: It will extend the life of the device

The Framework Laptop has been launched with sustainability in mind, with the ability to replace internal parts that clearly lengthen the life of a device. Many people use the same PC for a decade or more, just updating components as and when they please.

Instead, many people recommend updating a laptop every five years or so. Even if you can use it for a longer time, some software you use may stop working. The ability to upgrade your components means that you will never be left behind.  techqueer

Con: New parts can be expensive

You may not have to buy a new device, but the individual components will not necessarily be cheap. CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 5000 can cost around € 800, while adding a new RAM, SSD and battery could increase the final cost to the four figures.

That's probably more expensive for a laptop, but the cheap laptop market is hitting hard and surely won't pay off. It may be reserved for the most enthusiastic, as is the case with desktop computers today. construction-bolts.tockhop

Pro: It will allow people to create their laptop a la Frankenstein

However, for those enthusiasts we mentioned earlier, a modular laptop offers the perfect opportunity to customize a laptop according to your needs. Do you want a high-end laptop with an Intel Core i9 processor and 2 TB SSD? You can have it. Need more RAM and a premium Nvidia GPU for gaming ? It is also possible.

A device like the Framework Laptop may not be the best for this kind of thing, but it will be entirely possible if other companies decide to commit to upgradeable laptops in the same way.

Con: Some technical knowledge will be needed

Although Framework has announced that its laptop is easy to update, repair and customize, the truth is that people will not be able to change CPUs and SSDs without any experience. Some price knowledge will be needed, although this can be obtained fairly quickly.  bacobolts.yictic

Let's compare this to a traditional laptop, which requires virtually no hardware knowledge to use. With this in mind, those who are not interested in PC hardware are unlikely to suddenly want to upgrade their laptops.

 Conclution

For most, an upgradeable laptop doesn't make much sense. Especially during the pandemic, the idea of ​​having a device that just works has grown. Laptops can create an e-waste problem, but having the same device for many years is much better for the environment than changing smartphones every year, for example.

However, if you are interested in get some more benefit from desktop computers in a laptop, an upgradeable laptop might be a good idea. You will likely use the same device for years, with the screen perhaps the most limiting factor. It can also improve the sustainability of the product, although you have to take into account the resources that are used to make new components.  

The Laptop Framework represents an encouraging first step into the world of portable and upgradeable PCs. It sounds truly impressive on paper, with a 13.5 ”(2256 x 1504) screen, 1080p 60fps webcam, and a 1.5mm keyboard. The device comes with 11th Intel processors, along with a 55 Wh battery and Wi-Fi 6. DDR4 RAM can be configured up to 64GB, while 4TB NVMe storage is available.

Replacement parts are available on the Framework website, although the company will also allow other stores to sell the components.