Framework sold its namesake laptop on the promise that end users should feel comfortable enough to fix almost any hardware problem on their own. Replacing a component shouldn’t be the preserve of dedicated service professionals if all you need is a T5 screwdriver and patience.
When the company released its new 12th Gen Intel Core motherboards, it shipped a new board that could slot into last year’s model. And since I don’t consider myself a very confident DIYer, it made sense for me to put the Framework’s promises to the test.
As you can see in the video below, laptops are not yet at the stage where you can pull components out like Lego bricks. Though I think the industry is missing a trick by not making these components much simpler to assemble by standardizing the connections.
That said, one of the biggest hurdles was the ZIF connectors, which briefly made me wonder if I was really cut out for tech journalism. Those little flat ribbons may be great for space, but they’re a nightmare if you have big hands and poor eyesight.
But, as I said when the new hardware was released, it’s empowering how easy this can be, more or less, if companies make the slightest bit of effort. I was able to do this, talk to the camera (which probably slowed me down a bit), and not blow up. And if I can do this, then surely you can too.
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