In the world of electronics, things aren’t built to last anymore. When a device breaks or becomes outdated, we’re often forced to throw it away and buy something new. That’s wasteful and expensive. But what if you could fix or upgrade your gadgets instead? That’s exactly what Framework is doing.
Framework is a company that builds laptops you can repair and customize yourself. Instead of throwing your laptop away when something goes wrong, you can replace parts and even make it better. It’s a big change from how most electronics work today, and it’s getting a lot of attention from tech lovers and people who care about the environment.
Let’s dive into the story of Framework and see how it’s changing the game in technology.
Who Is the Genius Behind Framework?
The person behind this amazing idea is Nirav Patel, the founder and CEO of Framework. Nirav didn’t just wake up one day and decide to start a laptop company. He has a long history of working with some of the biggest names in tech. So let’s start from the very first.
From College to Tech Leader
Nirav studied Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, where he graduated in 2009. After college, he worked at Apple as a software engineer, learning how to design and build great products.
Later, he joined Oculus VR, the company that makes virtual reality headsets. At Oculus, Nirav helped design some of the most advanced VR technology of the time. When Facebook (now Meta) bought Oculus, Nirav became a director of engineering, working on new VR hardware and leading projects to make the tech world more inclusive.
A Bold New Mission
In 2020, Nirav decided to take everything he had learned and start his own company. He didn’t just want to make another laptop—he wanted to solve a problem. Too many gadgets were being thrown away, creating electronic waste and hurting the environment. Nirav wanted to change that by building laptops that people could fix and upgrade themselves.
Why Framework Was Born
Think about how most laptops work today. If your battery dies or you want more storage, you usually have to buy a whole new device. Nirav didn’t think that was right. He wanted to create laptops that lasted longer, reduced waste, and gave people control over their own devices.
To make this dream a reality, he teamed up with other smart and passionate people—many of them his former colleagues. Together, they rethought everything about how laptops are designed, making them modular, repairable, and customizable. This wasn’t just about selling laptops. It was about giving people a better way to use technology.
The Framework Philosophy: Built to Last
Framework’s motto is simple: Electronics should be built to last. Every laptop they design can be taken apart and upgraded easily.
For example, if your laptop’s memory or storage is too small, you can buy new parts and swap them in yourself. If a part breaks, you don’t need to buy a whole new laptop. You can just replace that one part. It’s like Lego for laptops—simple, fun, and sustainable.
The Journey to Success
Framework didn’t become successful overnight. It took a lot of hard work and smart decisions.
Early Days and Funding
In 2020, Framework got its first small funding grants. These grants helped Nirav and his team start building their laptops. By 2021, the company launched its first product, the Framework Laptop 13, a laptop that was both powerful and easy to repair.
The Framework Laptop 13 became an instant hit. It even won awards, including a spot on Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2021. This success helped Framework grow, and by 2022, the company raised $18 million to expand its operations.
Growing Around the World
Framework didn’t stop there. By 2023, their laptops were being sold in 13 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe. They continued to listen to their customers, improving their products based on feedback.
The Laptops That Make Framework Special
Framework currently has two main laptops: the Framework Laptop 13 and the Framework Laptop 16.
Framework Laptop 13
This was the first laptop Framework released, and it’s still a fan favorite. It has a 13.5-inch screen and supports up to 96GB of RAM and 8TB of storage. But what makes it special is its modular design. You can replace and upgrade parts like memory, storage, and ports, keeping the laptop up-to-date for years.
It’s also built with recycled materials and has privacy switches for the webcam and microphone, making it eco-friendly and secure.
Framework Laptop 16
The Laptop 16 is designed for people who need more power, like gamers and engineers. It has a larger 16-inch screen and can be customized with high-performance processors and graphics cards. You can even upgrade the graphics system later, something unheard of in most laptops today.
The DIY Edition: For the Hands-On Users
For those who love building and customizing their gadgets, Framework offers a DIY Edition. This version comes without pre-installed components, letting you choose and install parts like RAM and storage yourself. It’s perfect for tech-savvy users who enjoy a hands-on approach.
Framework Marketplace: A One-Stop Shop for Upgrades
Framework also runs an online store called the Framework Marketplace, where you can buy everything you need to keep your laptop in top shape. Whether you need a new battery, keyboard, or expansion card, the marketplace has it all. This makes maintaining and upgrading your laptop super easy.
Why Framework Stands Out?
Framework isn’t like other tech companies. While most brands are busy adding unnecessary features or following trends, Framework focuses on what really matters: creating devices that are sustainable, repairable, and built for the long haul.
Their approach is a breath of fresh air in a world where most gadgets feel disposable. Framework proves that technology doesn’t have to harm the planet and that people should have control over the devices they own.
Final Thoughts
Framework is more than just a laptop company—it’s a movement. They’ve shown us a new way to think about technology, one that values repairability, sustainability, and user choice.
In a world full of disposable gadgets, Framework is proving that there’s a smarter, greener way to use technology.
Their laptops aren’t just products; they’re solutions to a growing problem. And isn’t that exactly what we’ve been waiting for?
