Backfill · 2025
#248 of 383Framework Laptop
Press shot: Framework Laptop 13 open on a desk showing the thin-bezel display and keyboard, with 4 modular port cards laid out beside it, a screwdriver visible next to the chassis.
Framework Laptop is built to be repaired and upgraded by the person who owns it, with modular components that pop in and out using a single screwdriver. Designing a laptop for longevity rather than planned obsolescence is appealing enough that I've been following the company since they launched in 2021. Ports are swappable modules, so I can choose 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A. 1 HDMI, or swap the HDMI for an SD card reader when I need it, and the mainboard can be replaced with a newer processor without replacing the screen, keyboard, or chassis. Framework publishes full repair guides on their website and sells every replacement part individually, from the screen hinge to the keyboard to the battery. Pricing on parts is transparent rather than hidden behind a service counter. Starting at $849, the 13-inch model has specs competitive with a Dell XPS or a ThinkPad at the same price. Real value is in the 2nd and 3rd year when a traditional laptop starts slowing down and this one can be upgraded. Challenging the assumption that electronics are disposable is what Framework is doing, and the modular design proves that repairability and good industrial design are not mutually exclusive.