A COMPLETELY Upgradeable Laptop? - Framework Laptop Review

A completely upgradeable laptop is presented through a hands-on look at the Framework Laptop, highlighting how the design breaks away from typical closed, glue-bound laptops. The video opens by contrasting the Framework approach with the common notion that repairability must sacrifice aesthetics or performance, arguing that a thin, attractive machine can also be modular and repairable. The host walks through the hardware philosophy, explaining how QR codes guide users through compatibility checks and upgrades, and notes deliberate choices like a replaceable battery and color-coded screws that reduce guesswork during disassembly. A key focus is the modular IO system that allows swapping in devices via USB 3.2, such as expansion cards and a micro PCIe slot, enabling flexible connectivity without sacrificing form factor. The discussion then centers on the motherboard being designed to operate outside the laptop shell, with CAD drawings provided for custom enclosures, emphasizing openness and repairability as core pillars. Throughout, the video contrasts Framework’s approach with industry norms, highlighting the potential for future upgrades like RAM, storage, and even different motherboard generations, while acknowledging trade-offs such as minor flex and the current lack of a touch option on the display. The hosts also evaluate practical aspects like ease of tool-free upgrades, unattended driver installation, and the choice of OEM components for the keyboard and trackpad, concluding that the overall package offers meaningful longevity and a viable business model based on direct-to-consumer sales and upgrade paths. The discussion wraps with reflections on environmental impact, recycling, and the promise of future accessory options, underscoring that upgradeability can coexist with performance and style rather than being a compromise. The video closes with a teaser of future Framework iterations and a plug for Micro Center sponsorship, reinforcing the message that repairability and customization can be a durable, customer-centered approach in consumer hardware.

Topics · technology · consumer_electronics · hardware_design · laptop_repairability · modular_design · customization · environmental_impact · product_review