I feel it is important to support projects and businesses who are working on making it easier to repair and upgrade the things they make. So here's a thread about laptop computers.
Context
Desktop computers were not perfect in terms of being able to be fixed/upgraded, but they were better than laptops. So, where can one go to find laptops that can be repaired or upgraded?
The List
- https://mntre.com/ Open source, modular, ARM-based laptops
- There's also a smaller model in the works
- https://www.crowdsupply.com/mnt/pocket-reform
- https://hackaday.com/2023/04/11/a-miniature-mnt-for-every-pocket/
- There's also a smaller model in the works
- https://frame.work/ Faster, intel based modular laptop
- Components can be reconfigured into a tablet form factor https://www.instructables.com/Framework-Tablet-Assembly-Manual/
Honorable mentions
Some honorable mentions that are no longer available (or never were):
- https://www.crowdsupply.com/sutajio-kosagi/novena
- https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop
Multi-pronged approach
I'm not opposed to asking politicians to solve the problem of sustainability, but it typically takes many years, and even then with mixed results. So I thought a thread on some more direct action was in order. I believe there is room for both strategies in our fight to fix our stuff.
A call to action
If you know of other sources that we can shop to get quality gear, while supporting people who are actively giving people the right to repair right here and now (and without being forced to against their will), post 'em in the replies.
Xmas is coming up. If a laptop is something you're considering, please give the vendors in this thread a look. Even if you ultimately go with something else, it's good to consider your options. Besides, it's not a matter of just being altruistic; many of us would argue these are also the better value in the long term!