Recently, I purchased a 14-inch MacBook Pro, and while it’s an exceptional machine, I have some reservations. One major drawback is its lack of repairability; if the RAM or SSD malfunctions, I can't address it myself. For professionals, this poses a significant issue.

Fortunately, a new contender has emerged that adopts a fundamentally different philosophy: the Framework laptop. Rather than soldering components to the motherboard, Framework designs its laptops to be highly modular.

Introducing the Framework Laptop Framework seeks to counteract the trend of increasingly non-repairable laptops, even within the Windows ecosystem, by creating machines that can be easily repaired and upgraded.

Want to swap out your 11th Gen Intel processor for a 12th Gen? No problem. Need to upgrade from an Intel i5 to an i7? It’s as simple as swapping the chip.

How impressive is that?

To accommodate various input/output needs, the Framework laptop features four USB-C “Expansion Cards” that can be inserted into the device. You can select your desired I/O configurations at purchase, and later replace them with different cards as your needs evolve.

Can my MacBook do that? Absolutely not. While the Thunderbolt ports on my MacBook offer extensive expansion options, I can't change the physical ports on the device.

A Variety of Configurations Framework provides several models tailored for diverse user needs:

• Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition (12th Gen Intel Core)
• Framework Laptop (12th Gen Intel Core)
• Framework Laptop DIY Edition (12th Gen Intel Core)
• Framework Laptop DIY Edition (11th Gen Intel Core)

The Chromebook Edition caters to those seeking a highly upgradable laptop running Chrome OS, a web-centric operating system from Google. Since most Chromebooks lack repairability, a modular Chromebook offers a refreshing alternative for users who need flexibility without the full capabilities of Windows.

The most suitable choice for many is the Framework Laptop with a 12th Gen Intel Core processor. This model arrives fully assembled and is ready for immediate use.

For those who prefer DIY projects, the DIY Edition offers options for both 12th and 11th Gen processors. With this version, you can either utilize your existing RAM and SSD or order compatible components. This is a fantastic option for those who already have spare parts.

Examining Framework Laptop Specifications Framework provides three tiers of laptops: Base, Performance, and Professional.

The Base tier is ideal for casual users, featuring an i5–1240P processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage with Windows 11 Home.

The Performance tier upgrades to an i7–1260P processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage with Windows 11 Home.

Finally, the Professional tier includes an i7–1280P processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage with Windows 11 Pro.

For most users, the mid-range tier offers a sweet spot, providing adequate future-proofing with a solid CPU, ample RAM, and significant storage.

Unlike a MacBook, if you later find you need a more powerful CPU or additional RAM, you can upgrade those components yourself, allowing you to save money initially and upgrade as your budget allows. How convenient!

Linux Compatibility? Absolutely. The standard Framework Laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11, but installing Linux is straightforward for those who prefer it.

As a Linux enthusiast, I appreciate the option, and while many Framework users will likely run Windows, the company acknowledges that numerous customers will want to utilize popular Linux distributions.

To assist, Framework offers installation guides for Fedora, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Manjaro, and Pop!_OS, with additional resources available in the Framework Community.

If you’re planning to use Linux and wish to save some money, the DIY Edition is an excellent choice since it allows you to bring your own operating system without paying for Windows.

The Importance of Repairability While not everyone feels the need to repair their laptops, I believe having a repairable system is crucial. I cherish my MacBook Pro, but the inability to address issues myself is frustrating.

If a component fails in my Dell, I can typically find a replacement part. With the Framework, I know I can easily swap out a malfunctioning SSD or RAM stick and get back to work quickly.

Even if you’re clumsy like me and accidentally spill something on your laptop, having the option to fix it yourself, even outside warranty, is invaluable.

Framework challenges the notion that sleek, stylish laptops must be unrepairable. Major brands often prefer customers to buy new devices instead of fixing existing ones. Framework believes in empowering users to repair their laptops efficiently, providing all the necessary components and instructions.

You can purchase parts directly from Framework or from other users, adding to the convenience.

Can Framework Compete with Apple? It’s unlikely that Framework will significantly impact Apple’s market share in the near future.

That said, I genuinely admire their product and look forward to their evolution. However, they may not yet be a strong competitor in the laptop sector.

Nonetheless, Framework's efforts are crucial. As a long-time Apple user with a range of their products, I recognize that Apple devices are often difficult to repair. They still solder storage into their laptops and resist independent repairs.

In contrast, Framework aims to empower users with the tools and knowledge needed to repair and upgrade their own devices. This approach is commendable. Major brands like HP, Dell, and Lenovo, while more repairable than MacBooks, still incorporate many proprietary and soldered components that hinder user repairs.

Where does Framework stand today? I believe they can positively influence the Right to Repair movement, which advocates for products designed for repairability.

Framework’s sleek, functional laptops are built for user repair and upgrades. From an IT perspective, this is a dream, and as a user, I appreciate the ability to replace parts if something breaks or if I simply want an upgrade.

This flexibility is invaluable, and I hope Framework will inspire more people to embrace the idea of self-repair instead of relying on third-party services.

Even if they never significantly affect Apple’s sales, I hope Framework's success will highlight the benefits of flexible, repairable laptops, motivating other manufacturers to follow suit.

Framework is Still in Its Infancy I wholeheartedly support Framework’s mission to create long-lasting, upgradable, and repairable laptops.

However, it’s important to remember that Framework is a relatively new company, founded in 2020, and must demonstrate its sustainability over time. While I hope to see Framework become a significant player in the laptop market in the years to come, I do wonder about their long-term viability.

I admire their vision and want to see more consumers choose Framework products.

Despite my enthusiasm, I have some concerns about the brand's current stability. They lack the recognition and longevity of established companies like Dell or HP. While those brands have their own issues, it’s reasonable to assume they’ll remain in business for the foreseeable future.

My concerns aren’t based on any specific knowledge about Framework as a company, and their products seem impressive. Still, I consider this whenever a new contender enters the tech landscape.

However, I'm optimistic about Framework’s future and excited for what lies ahead.

Framework: A Partner in the Right to Repair Movement Even if you don’t need a laptop right now, consider supporting Framework’s mission.

For the past decade, I’ve primarily used Windows laptops and recently returned to macOS for personal use. I appreciate Apple products and will likely continue using them, but I want to see Framework succeed and encourage other manufacturers to take note.

Whether you prefer Mac, Windows, or a mix of both, I hope you recognize the importance of being able to repair your products, even if you have no interest in doing it yourself.

Warranties don’t last indefinitely, and sometimes warranty repairs aren’t the best option. Framework demonstrates that it’s possible to create high-quality, stylish laptops that are also easy to repair and upgrade. The idea that laptops need to be sealed with soldered components is increasingly untenable in light of Framework’s innovations.

I’m eager to see how Framework continues to evolve and what they’ll achieve in the future.