You ever get that like sinking feeling,
you know, when you're expensive laptop,
the one you thought would last forever
starts to like sputter and slow down
after only a year or two?
Oh, tell me about it.
It's like clockwork.
It's the worst.
And then it's basically ready for the tech graveyard.
But framework, they want to change that whole story.
They're all about sustainable, repairable laptops.
And I'm really curious to see how they're tackling this.
It's a bold goal, that's for sure.
Especially when you consider the state of
the entire electronics industry.
Get this, the world produces something like
50 million metric tons of e-waste every year.
That's like heavier than every commercial airplane
ever made combined.
50 million.
Okay, yeah, that puts things in perspective.
And it just keeps getting worse.
So yeah, framework focusing on repairability.
It could be huge, a real game changer.
So to fight that, framework is all about
making laptops that last and can be fixed if they break.
Which honestly feels kind of revolutionary these days.
It's like a throwback, right?
Back when things were built to last.
Seriously.
So we're doing a deep dive into their framework laptop,
13 guides, and I gotta say,
the sheer number of parts they offer is mind-blowing.
Like, they've thought of everything.
It's really impressive.
They're all about this idea of modular design,
which is like the heart of their whole approach.
Modular design.
Okay, so for those of us who aren't tech wizards,
what does that even mean when we're talking about a laptop?
So imagine instead of it being this mysterious black box,
your laptop is more like Lego bricks.
With modular design, the Framework laptop
is made up of all these interchangeable parts.
Okay, I think I'm getting it.
So like, say your webcam breaks.
Instead of replacing the whole display,
which is what you'd normally have to do with Framework,
you just swap out that one module.
Easy peasy.
Well, that makes sense.
So it's about being able to fix things yourself.
Yeah.
But it's more than that, right?
Right.
Upgrades become a breeze, too.
Their website talks about how you can upgrade to a 13th gen
Intel Core processor, which would, by the way,
be a major performance boost, smoother multitasking,
everything.
Or, and this is wild, you can swap to an entirely different
chipset, like the AMD Ryzen 7040 series.
Whoa.
They actually encourage you to take the laptop apart.
That's both amazing and terrifying to me
at the same time.
Well, they do provide these super detailed installation
guides on their website.
Step-by-step, clear diagrams, the works.
So it's DIY.
But they actually give you the tools to do it yourself.
That's a relief.
Yeah.
Speaking of DIY, we found this great blog post
by this guy, Stefan Luckow.
He's from this website, Gesellschaftsreinficlingfondingen.
Try saying that five times fast.
No kidding.
Anyway, Stefan, he was really into this whole open source
repairable thing that Framework is doing.
And he documented his whole experience,
like building and using one of these laptops.
And that ties into this whole right to repair movement.
Giving consumers the right to actually repair their stuff,
modify it, and push back against this whole planned obsolescence
thing.
Exactly.
And get this.
This guy, Stefan, he was already replacing Mac OS
with Linux on his MacBooks.
Oh, wow.
Yeah, that's not for the faint of heart.
Apple does not make it easy.
Not at all.
But he was super intrigued by Framework's approach,
decided to go all in, even got the DIY
edition of their laptop.
And get this, he said the experience was, quote, unquote,
boring.
Boring.
Can you believe that?
He was expecting all these challenges, DIY open source.
But he's like, nope, it just worked.
I guess that's a testament to how well-designed
the Framework laptops are.
Then if even someone like him, who's clearly
comfortable getting his hands dirty,
didn't run into any major issues.
Totally.
He was super impressed with how easy it was to set up,
how well it performed, how solid the build quality felt.
He was not expecting that, apparently.
That's really interesting.
So they're not just appealing to hardcore techies then,
but to people who just want a solid laptop that happens
to be repairable and upgradable.
Exactly.
But this brings up another question, right?
This whole repairable, sustainable tech thing.
How much of it is marketing hype versus a genuine commitment
to actually doing things differently?
It's the million dollar question, right?
And to be fair, Framework is upfront about the fact
that like achieving true sustainability
in electronics manufacturing, it's really, really hard.
In fact, they straight up say on their website,
we are not sustainable.
We are not sustainable.
Wow, OK, that's a bold move.
You don't see many companies saying that out loud.
Right.
So are they just being brutally honest,
or is it some next level marketing tactic
to get ahead of the critics?
I'm not sure.
Could be a bit of both.
It's hard to say, but it definitely
makes you pay attention.
So are they just being realistic,
or are they trying to pull a fast one?
I think they're being genuine.
They could easily slap a green label on their stuff
and call it a day, you know?
But they're going deeper, actually analyzing
their process, trying to make a real difference.
OK, so they're admitting they're not perfect,
but they're actively trying to improve.
Exactly.
And they're not just relying on the repairability aspect
either.
They have this whole section on their website
dedicated to their sustainability initiatives,
using recycled materials, partnering with carbon
offsetting programs, all of that.
OK, so they're putting their money where their mouth is,
at least to some extent.
So let's get into those initiatives.
On their sustainability page, they
highlight four main things, designing for longevity,
module reuse, a refurbished program,
and using climate conscious materials.
And this is where things get really cool.
Their focus on module reuse.
Super innovative.
So they actually release these 3D printable cases
for the Framework Laptop 13's main board.
So even if you upgrade your laptop,
you can repurpose the main board into a standalone computer.
Wait, what?
That's so smart.
Right.
And they've even partnered with Cooler Master
to create a more, I don't know, robust main board case.
They're encouraging users to get creative, extend the life
cycle of these components.
That's amazing.
Giving those old laptop parts a new life
instead of ending up in a landfill somewhere.
Exactly.
And speaking of extending the life cycle,
they also have this refurbished program
where they sell certified refurbished laptops
at a lower cost.
Which is fantastic, especially for budget-conscious consumers
who also care about sustainability.
Right.
It's like a win-win.
But let's talk about the materials they use for a sec.
They talk a big game about using all these recycled materials
in their laptops.
So how do they actually stack up there?
They break it down on their website, which I appreciate.
Did you know that the top cover of the Framework Laptop 13,
it's made from 75% post-industrial recycled
aluminum?
75%.
That's actually really impressive.
What does that even mean, though?
Post-industrial recycled aluminum,
is that different from regular recycled aluminum?
Yeah.
So it basically means that they're using aluminum scraps,
like leftover bits from other manufacturing processes,
rather than sourcing brand new aluminum.
Oh, OK.
So it's cutting down on waste from the get-go.
Exactly.
Creating new aluminum takes a ton of energy.
So using recycled stuff like this, huge impact.
And it's not just the top cover.
Even their keyboard is made from 50% post-consumer recycled
plastic.
So that's plastic that's been collected and recycled
after consumers are done with it.
So they're putting a lot of thought
into where the materials are coming from.
But what about their carbon footprint?
I mean, just making and shipping electronics
must generate a ton of emissions.
Do they address that at all?
They do.
They've partnered with a company called Running Tide
for carbon offsetting.
Running Tide.
And this is where it gets interesting.
They don't just plant trees, which is what most companies do
for offsetting.
Running Tide uses kelp.
Kelp, like the seaweed.
Yep.
They use kelp-based carbon sequestration.
So they're growing these kelp forests in the ocean.
And then, get this, they sink them to the ocean floor.
Wait, hold on.
They're growing underwater forests to trap carbon?
Pretty much.
It's a whole lot more proactive than just planting trees,
which sometimes feels like a Band-Aid solution.
No kidding.
That's amazing.
So they're not just offsetting their emissions.
They're actively trying to remove carbon
from the atmosphere.
That's the idea.
It's definitely a different approach.
It's a really interesting approach.
But it's still kind of strange, right?
With all these initiatives, they keep saying, quote unquote,
we are not sustainable.
If they're putting in all this work,
why be so upfront about that?
That's a good question.
I think it speaks to this idea that sustainability is not
a destination.
It's a journey.
And they're acknowledging that they're not perfect,
that there's always room for improvement.
OK, so they're not claiming to have all the answers,
but they're at least trying to find them.
And they're being open about that process.
Yeah, exactly.
And that's kind of refreshing, isn't it?
I mean, compared to the usual corporate greenwashing
we see all the time, this feels different, more honest
somehow.
I agree.
They're being real about how complex this issue is.
And they're kind of inviting their customers along
for the ride, which I find really interesting.
It's kind of refreshing to hear a company just admit that.
That sustainability is a journey, not some finish line
they've already crossed, makes their efforts seem more legit,
don't you think?
Definitely.
It's way better than those vague sustainability promises
so many companies make.
You know, the ones that feel like they
were written by a marketing team, hopped up on buzzwords?
Oh, totally.
I'm over that.
But Framework seems to get it.
They actually understand that real sustainability
is about being transparent, being accountable, and always
striving to do better.
100%.
And it's not just about what materials they use
or how they offset their carbon.
It's also about challenging that whole industry standard
of making devices that are basically impossible to fix.
Seriously, when was the last time
you tried to open up a laptop or a smartphone
without feeling like you needed like a whole toolkit
and an engineering degree?
Right.
It's like they don't want you to fix it.
Exactly.
Companies have made it so hard and expensive to repair devices
that it's often just cheaper to buy a new one, which
is exactly what they want you to do.
But Framework is like, nope, we're not playing that game.
Yeah.
They're like, repair your stuff.
We'll even help you.
I know.
It's kind of radical when you think about it.
Yeah, totally.
They actually provide those super detailed repair guides
we were talking about with step-by-step instructions
and diagrams for pretty much every part of the laptop.
And they're not hiding those guides behind any paywalls
or anything.
They're free on their website, complete with videos, even 3D
models of the components.
It's like, they want you to become your own tech support.
Which is both empowering and a little intimidating
at the same time.
But do you think this approach could actually catch on?
Like, is it realistic to think that the whole tech industry
might actually shift in this direction?
Because it's a pretty big departure from how
things are usually done.
It's a tough one.
It's definitely an uphill battle.
But I do think there's a real hunger out there
for this kind of tech.
People are tired of feeling like they
have to buy a new phone or laptop every other year.
And they're starting to care more and more
about the environmental impact of all their gadgets.
That's a good point.
Plus, there's something really satisfying about being
able to fix something yourself, right?
Or keep using something for longer
than you thought you could.
It's like sticking it to the man, but in a good way.
Totally.
It's that whole sense of agency.
Like, I'm in control of my tech, not the other way around.
And when you combine that with the environmental benefits
and the potential cost savings, it's
a pretty compelling argument for this kind of approach.
And speaking of cost savings, we should mention their refurbished
program again.
It's a really great option for people who are on a budget,
but who still want to support what Framework is doing.
Oh, for sure.
And by selling refurbished devices,
they're giving those laptops a second life,
reducing the demand for brand new products, which
is great for the planet.
Winds all around.
Plus, you get a Framework laptop, but for less money.
What's not to love?
But OK, back to this idea of a shift
in how we think about tech.
Can companies like Framework actually change people's minds?
Because we've gotten so used to this whole disposable culture,
this idea that newer is always better,
can we actually go back?
It's a big question.
Honestly, I'm not sure.
But I do think Framework is onto something
with this whole repairable, sustainable thing.
People are looking for alternatives.
And I think the more companies like Framework pop up
and the more successful they are,
the more the rest of the industry
is going to have to take notice.
It's true.
Success speaks volumes.
And they're not just talking about it.
They're out there actually doing it.
Right.
They're walking the walk, and that's huge.
And we're seeing a real shift, I think,
with consumers wanting more from the companies they support.
People are looking for real action
on things like sustainability and ethical manufacturing.
100%.
It's not just about the products anymore.
It's about the values behind the products, the practices
behind the products.
Totally.
And the best part is, consumers are
starting to realize that they have a lot of power here.
We can actually make a difference with our choices.
Or wallets do the talking.
Exactly.
Every time someone buys a Framework laptop instead
of a device from a company that isn't
as committed to sustainability, that's a win.
It's a vote for a better way of doing things.
It's a powerful message.
But as we've discussed, Framework
is very upfront about the fact that they
don't have all the answers when it comes to sustainability.
They're still figuring things out as they go,
just like the rest of us.
And that's OK.
I mean, no one has it all figured out.
The most important thing is that they're trying.
They're constantly learning.
They're adapting.
And they're always looking for ways to improve.
They're on that journey with the rest of us.
Exactly.
And it's a journey I think more and more companies
are going to have to start making,
especially if they want to stay in the game because the world
is changing and people are demanding better.
It's pretty cool to see a company like Framework really
embracing that journey, especially in an industry
that often seems to put profits above literally everything
else.
It is refreshing, yeah.
And it makes you think, what if this whole sustainability,
repairability thing, what if this wasn't some niche thing?
What if this was just how all tech was made?
What kind of impact would that have?
Right.
Imagine a world where everything from your phone
to your headphones was designed to be easily repaired,
upgraded, and then when the time comes, totally disassembled
so it could be recycled responsibly.
That'd be huge.
Totally.
We could finally start making a dent in that e-waste problem.
We could conserve resources, maybe even
move towards a more circular economy
where tech is designed to last.
It's a pretty exciting thought.
It really is.
And it's not just about the environmental benefits
either, right?
Yeah.
Think about how empowering that would be for people.
No more feeling like you have to buy a new device
every time something breaks or slows down a little.
Exactly.
People could hold onto their devices for way longer,
knowing they could fix them or upgrade them if they wanted to.
It would be a total shift in power from the big tech
companies back to the consumer.
It's like the ultimate right to repair victory.
Though I guess some companies wouldn't
be too thrilled about that.
Yeah.
The companies who rely on planned obsolescence
to make money probably wouldn't be sending Framework a thank
you card anytime soon.
But for the planet and for people
who are tired of this disposable tech culture,
it would be huge.
Absolutely.
And who knows, maybe, just maybe, seeing Framework
have some success with this will light a fire
under some other companies.
Hey, if they can do it, maybe we should too.
Right.
Competition can be a powerful motivator.
Nothing like seeing someone else do something different
and actually pull it off to get the creative juices flowing.
Totally.
The more companies that jump on this sustainable, ethical band
wagon, the more normal it becomes.
It's like a ripple effect.
Exactly.
And it all starts with companies like Framework
willing to take a risk to do things differently
and show the world that another way is possible.
So for anyone listening who might be feeling a little,
I don't know, disheartened by the way the tech industry
usually operates, I think Framework's story
offers some hope.
They're proving that it's possible to do things
differently, to make great products
without trashing the planet or exploiting people.
And that's pretty awesome.
For sure.
And more importantly, they're showing that it's something
consumers actually want.
We don't have to just accept the status quo.
We can demand better.
We can support companies that align with our values.
We can actually use our wallets to shape
the future of technology.
It's a good reminder that we have more power than we think.
All right, well, that was a lot.
We covered a ton of ground about Framework,
from their modular designs and open source philosophy,
to their really interesting approach to sustainability.
I don't know about you, but I'm feeling pretty inspired.
It's not every day you see a tech company actually
trying to make a positive difference in the world.
And I've got to say, I'm really curious to see
what they do next.
Me too.
It'll be interesting to see if they
can keep this momentum going and really shake up the industry.
I'm rooting for them.
And on that note, we'd love to hear what you think.
Would you consider a framework laptop?
What would it take for more tech companies
to embrace sustainability and repairability?
Let us know your thoughts.
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive.