Manufacturers of electrical appliances are repeatedly criticized because they are almost impossible to repair. With modular devices such as the Framework laptop, the components are not glued but screwed together – and can therefore be repaired. We looked closer at the Framework laptops and how compatible they are with BetLabel.
Modular concepts for mobile phones, laptops, and other consumer electronics are increasingly appearing in the media. Less well known are the modular laptops from US manufacturer Framework. Framework distinguishes itself from its competitors primarily through its plug-in modules and cross-model compatibility, which allows you to replace broken individual parts yourself and extend the life of the device. Other brands rarely openly offer spare parts.
What Makes the Framework Laptop So Special
My plug-in modules for the Framework laptop offer USB and HDMI connections.
The manufacturer’s homepage headline, ‘Customise, upgrade, repair,’ points out the main differences from the competition. On larger or older models from most manufacturers, the hard drive, battery, and RAM can usually only be replaced by a technician—if at all. You can do this yourself with the Framework laptop.
Here is an overview of what makes the laptop different.
Plug-in Modules
HDMI, USB, LAN: You can choose which connections you need with the Framework laptop. There are ten different plug-in modules. The 13-inch model offers four slots, and the 16-inch model has six.
Customization is possible at the time of purchase and at any later point, as the modules can simply be plugged in at the side and are securely locked so that they cannot be pulled out unintentionally.
Spare Parts and Instructions from the Manufacturer
The biggest challenge for hobby technicians, as well as repair providers, is access to spare parts for many devices. This is where Framework stands out from the competition, as you can buy spare parts directly from the manufacturer on their website, including screws and individual cables. You also don’t have to worry too much about warranty, tools, and damage with a Framework laptop. For one thing, the devices are designed so that you can open them. Secondly, you get the right repair tool with every laptop.
There is a QR code on each component so that you know immediately how to open the device and which screws you need to loosen. This will take you to the relevant instructions. Videos and detailed step-by-step instructions (unfortunately only in English) show you how to replace the parts yourself. If you follow these instructions, your warranty will remain valid.
Backward Compatible
Another special feature of Framework is that components can be used across several product generations. This makes it possible to connect older components with new hardware or replace individual components if an upgrade is necessary. For example, if you have to buy a new mobile phone for the Fairphone, if you want faster memory or a better CPU, you can continue using the framework’s housing, keyboard, screen, and battery. Components are also available directly on the website.
Finally, Framework scores another point for sustainability, as standard parts are used for components such as memory and RAM. This means you can buy the parts you need locally second-hand or use them from a competitor’s decommissioned laptop. For memory, for example, look for ‘NVMe™- M.2’ and ‘DDR4-3200’ for RAM or ‘DDR5-5600’ for the Ultra Series 1 model. Please note, however, that this will invalidate your warranty.
The Framework Laptop is Not Perfectly Sustainable
The Framework laptop is easy to open and repair.
Even though the manufacturer produces much more sustainably than its competitors (see below) and the design is intended to generate less electronic waste, Framework writes on its website: ‘We are not sustainable.’ Framework writes about the industry: ‘And neither is any other device maker. This industry is full of ‘feel good’ messaging, but generates 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste each year.’ (And neither is any other device maker. This industry is full of ‘feel good’ messaging, but generates 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste each year”). By comparison, the Cheops pyramid is estimated at seven to eight million tonnes.
Another aspect of sustainability is social factors, such as wages, occupational health and safety, and child labor. Even if Framework does not publish any specific figures here, large quantities of the raw materials come from countries that have human rights violations. For example, cobalt is used for lithium-ion batteries – a raw material often associated with child labor.
There are many reasons why it is important to use resources sustainably. However, it is often not possible to completely avoid electronic waste.
