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This DIY laptop is challenging tech giants like Apple & Microsoft

by Siddhi Ashar, Oct 29
2 minutes read

Framework, a San Franciso-based company,  designed a DIY laptop allowing consumers to build their own product with their own choice of an operating system, memory, storage, and WiFi capabilities. Built with the right-to-repair in mind, such technology aims to disrupt the disposable tech economy run by the giants like Apple and Microsoft.

red and black computer motherboard

So what?

Disposable tech has trapped consumers in a use-and-throw model with rigid user license agreements and inflexible products. Landfills in developing nations are filled with electronic waste leaving workers exposed to high levels of lead and mercury during disposal.

The right-to-repair movement has been gaining steam to not only equip users to use their products the way they want to but also move us away from the unsustainable path of creating 50 million tons of e-waste per year. The legislation is now pending in 27 states with more consumers demanding an open marketplace for repair.

One quick YouTube search will find you hundreds of videos with people looking for ways to repair minor issues with their iPhones, laptops amongst other electronics. The argument made is that opening up a phone to replace a hardware feature does not equate to stealing intellectual property.

Can this move impact Big Tech’s market control and hand back agency to consumers?

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by Siddhi Ashar Spotted 50 signals

With a background in international studies and filmmaking, Siddhi works with the Futures Centre team to creatively push our current imaginaries and create more positive visions of futures rooted in equity. Her works centers around challenging common narratives and working agilely to bring forth more representative ones. Through her role at the Futures Centre, she focuses on the answering the question, how can better climate communication and visioning help stakeholders work together and act intently, empathetically and urgently?

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