-

2025-07-13 15:18:33

jabgoe2089@hub.netzgemeinde.eu

the Framework 16 laptop is helping you assembling itsself. very cool!

#computer

Charlie Stross schrieb den folgenden Beitrag Sat, 12 Jul 2025 23:49:56 +0200

This is really neat product design—the antithesis of most post-2010 "no user-serviceable parts inside" design.
https://urbanists.social/@markstos/114841399983457180

2025-07-14 11:41:54

Wolfgang Strobl

ws01@diaspora-fr.org

Frankly, while I like Charlie Stross writings, here I disagree. Having repaired quite some laptops (and a lot of other stuff) in the past, I believe that this kind of support is uncool. Designing a device in a way that makes it repairable is one thing. Suggesting that this comes for free is something different. In short, it doesn't. Reparability comes with a cost, repairing needs at least some basic understanding about what you are doing. And, last but not least, it needs availability of replacement parts at a resasonable price.

My list of priorities is - Repairability, for someone who understands the basic details and owns some basic tools for precision mechanics: handle screw connections, plug contacts, protection against electrostatics - Availability of spare parts - Maintenance manual describing the complete disassembly and reassembly process

It also overlooks another aspect: there are countless electronic products where the manufacturer has gone to great lengths to discourage even those who have all the necessary tools and spare parts. I own a laptop where I realized this too late. It will be the last laptop I buy from HP. Does anyone need a replacement keyboard? :-{ (just kidding).

2025-07-14 12:04:36

eeepee@diaspora.psyco.fr

@Wolfgang Strobl Have you ever looked at Framework Devices?

That is a complete other world compared to other notebook manufacturers. And yes you get spare parts, you can even upgrade a lot of models and you need only some tools because of clever engineering. For most things components inside the machine are labeled with hints how to change or disassemble.

And the price tag is absolutely comparable to other devices

Compare these two:

https://de.ifixit.com/Anleitung/Framework+Laptop+12+Mainboard+Replacement/186599?lang=en

https://de.ifixit.com/Anleitung/MacBook+Pro+(16-Inch+2023)+Logic+Board+tauschen/158660

2025-07-14 13:03:40

Wolfgang Strobl

ws01@diaspora-fr.org

Have you ever looked at Framework Devices?

Yes, from a distance. I haven't ever cared about MacBooks, though. I've replaced a broken keyboard on a Lenovo laptop, cleaned internal fans of various brands, upgraded harddisks, added RAM, replaced batteries. But in general, these laptops became obsolete, not broken, after a lot of years.

I never needed to replace a laptop mainboard, so I don't really care about these specific iFixit instructions. But in passing I note that there isn't much difference to https://de.ifixit.com/Anleitung/Asus+M570D+Mainboard+tauschen/188382

Couldn't upgrade the SSD of an old Zenbook, because it uses an uncommon connector. So like some other old laptops, it's used just as a frozen programming environment from the past that I perhaps might want to use again, someday.

I still have two ASUS Eee PC sitting on the shelf, in perfectly working condition. I might use these as a display for tinkering with microcontrollers again, or something. But frankly, there isn't much real work you'd like to do with obsolete devices like those.

In short, outside of flat MacBooks or devices that try to imitate a design of lockin, many laptops are built in a way that allows easy upgrades and easy repairs of exposed parts - as long as you know what you are doing. Exceptions to that rule are the problem, not overengineered repairability.

Personally, I don't like devices that are built as if they were for children - regardless of whether they are cell phones, laptops or bicycles.