Here's why it's so exciting.

Laptops are flexible and portable. But you can’t upgrade them, and you’re still limited to the specs offered by the manufacturers. I’m planning to buy a new computer in the next few months, and while browsing the internet, I came across the Framework laptop. Here’s why I find it interesting — and why I’ll be buying it next.

1 I can choose the specifications I want.

When I’m shopping for a specific laptop model, I usually stick to the specs the manufacturer offers. But I’m not just talking about processor and memory configurations. I’m also looking at discrete graphics options, keyboard and macro pad options, and most importantly, port options.

For example, I have a three-monitor workstation at home, but I sometimes spend a week working somewhere else every quarter or so. So when I’m home, I want a laptop with a discrete GPU, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an audio jack, and an Ethernet port.

But when I’m out and about, I’ll swap out the discrete GPU for an Expansion Bay Shell since I rarely play games when I’m exploring. I also don’t need the audio and Ethernet ports, so I’ll swap them out for a microSD expansion card and an HDMI port for my portable display. These swappable ports mean I no longer need to carry a separate USB hub, like the Baseus Metal Gleam Series II.

2 Easy to fix laptop frame

Most thin and light laptops are not repairable, with many manufacturers soldering everything together and using glue to seal everything. However, the Framework has managed to keep the same thin form factor while keeping everything customizable. This makes it a favorite of the right-to-repair movement, showing everyone how a laptop should be built.

So, if you have a problem with the battery, screen or any other part or peripheral, just open the cover and use a regular small screwdriver, you can easily swap out the parts. You don’t have to take your laptop to a specialist or incur expensive service charges to get your Framework laptop repaired.

This also applies to warranty services. For example, let's say one of the memory cards in your Framework laptop has failed. You can then disassemble the laptop, take out the damaged part, and use it while you wait for a replacement; that way, you won't be left without a laptop as Framework sends you new RAM.

3 I don't need to buy a new laptop to upgrade.

One of the reasons I’m considering buying a new computer is that my current one will be five years old next year. Since I use my computer primarily for work, I stick to a five-year upgrade program to ensure reliability. However, that means I have to buy a new laptop every five years to keep up with technology because I can’t upgrade it piece by piece.

With a Framework laptop, I can just pick and choose which parts I want to upgrade as needed. For example, let’s say I buy a Framework 16 laptop today with a Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, a Radeon RX 7700S, 64GB of RAM, and 4TB of storage. If I want to upgrade to a new discrete GPU next year, I can simply buy one from Framework and put it in the Framework 16 instead of buying a whole new laptop.

The same goes for all the other parts, like the processor, RAM, storage, and even the display. The Framework has proven to support multiple generations of CPUs, starting with Intel’s 11th Gen processor. Framework 13 now supports Intel Core Ultra Series 1 and AMD Ryzen 7040 chips, and you don’t have to buy a whole new laptop just to upgrade to these newer processors.

4 I reduce e-waste with my laptop Framework.

One side effect of these modules is that I significantly reduce e-waste by using the Framework laptop. So if I have a problem with a Framework laptop after its warranty has expired, it is much easier (and cheaper) to replace the problematic parts than with non-modular laptops, giving users less incentive to buy a new laptop and throw away the old one.

This is in contrast to the past, when you were more likely to throw away an old, repairable laptop because the complexity of the repair raised the cost, making it impractical to repair.

This also applies to upgrades. Since I can buy and install new parts, I don’t have to buy a new laptop every so often, and I can keep my Frame laptop working for years to come. I no longer have to add to the pile of 10-, 15-, and 20-year-old laptops sitting in my drawer because I (or someone I know) don’t need them anymore.

So buying a Framework laptop is one way I can reduce e-waste. Even if just 1,000 people bought and upgraded a Framework laptop every decade, that would keep about 2,000 laptops out of landfills if everyone replaced their computers every three years.

5 I can easily change the look of my laptop and make it unique.

Aside from the easily interchangeable hardware, the Frame laptop is also customizable. The company offers a wide range of keyboards, including ANSI and ISO layouts, and keyboards for different languages, such as Traditional Chinese, Korean, Danish, Swedish, Spanish, German, International English, American English, British English, French, and more.

You also get a number pad module and an RGB macro pad option for those who work with a lot of numbers and need extra customizable keys. Aside from that, the Framework also offers three different colors for the display bezel, five colors for the divider (if I don’t want to install a number pad or macro pad), and even a programmable LED matrix.

Framework has also partnered with Cooler Master and has started offering cases for 11th-13th Gen Intel motherboards, allowing users upgrading to more modern chips to use these older cases as a standalone PC. And if you’re the type to build custom parts, there’s also the Framework community. That’s where you can find projects and ideas that will help make your Framework laptop truly yours.

These are just a few reasons why I’m excited to get a Framework laptop when I upgrade my PC next year. It’s the size and portability of a laptop, but with the upgradeability and utility of a desktop. I just hope it becomes available in more regions next year, as it’s not available in my region yet. But if I were in the US, I’d definitely pick it as my next Windows PC.