New modular laptop designs might be coming from one of the world’s largest ODMs.
Laptops are one of the most egregious product categories with regards to e-waste. Most laptops are made of almost completely proprietary components that are exclusive to that device, and the chips are generally BGA, meaning it’s impractical to desolder and re-use them when a board fails. Framework was the first company to market a truly modular laptop, and now it looks like massive ODM Compal is going to take a shot at it.If you’re not familiar with Compal, don’t worry—the company’s products are usually rebadged and sold under different brand names. Compal has made laptops and other devices for basically every major computer OEM in the world, including contributions to Apple devices.
