Short answer: Yes — Framework is the closest to a DIY laptop that the modern market offers to date. While you will not be soldering capacitors to a motherboard, the Framework Laptop DIY Edition ships as a kit of modules (chassis, mainboard, expansion cards, memory, storage) that you assemble yourself. Unlike a traditional “barebones” PC, the DIY aspect extends to the entire lifecycle: you can swap out components daily, replace the screen bezel for aesthetics, or upgrade the entire mainboard (CPU) three years later without buying a new computer.
The Framework laptop is like “LEGO for adults”—an accessible, standardized DIY experience rather than a raw electrical engineering project.
Comprehensive Review: The Framework Ecosystem
1. Brand & Philosophy: The Anti-Obsolescence Quest
Framework is the antithesis of the sealed, disposable “if it breaks, buy new” model popularized by Apple. Their philosophy is built on three pillars:
- Right to Repair: Every component has a QR code linking to repair guides and a replacement ordering page. And the Framework Marketplace stocks every component of the laptop, not just the “consumables” like batteries and SSDs.
- Modularity: The chassis is a “permanent” vessel; the hardware inside is temporary. You keep the body, keyboard, and screen, but swap the internal mainboard as technology advances.
- Anti-E-Waste: The brand encourages reusing old parts. An old mainboard you replace can be printed into a case and used as a standalone media server or desktop PC.
2. Projected Customer Demand in 2026
As we look toward 2026, Framework is transitioning from a niche enthusiast brand to a viable alternative for the “prosumer” market.
- The AI Wave: Framework is integrating “AI-capable” silicon (like AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series) into its modular mainboards. Demand is rising among developers who want local AI processing power without buying a locked-down computer.
- New Form Factors: With the introduction of the Framework 16 (modular GPU for gamers) and the Framework 12 (a 2-in-1 tablet convertible version is expected sometime in 2026), they are capturing creatives and professionals who previously felt limited by the standard 13-inch clamshell.
- Supply Chain Pressures: In 2026, a projected spike in DDR5 memory prices (due to AI server demand) may make the “Bring Your Own RAM” aspect of the DIY edition less of a cost-saver and more of a supply-chain necessity.
- Corporate Adoption: Demand is slowly growing in IT departments that value long-term serviceability over the initial lower cost of disposable Dell/HP corporate equipment.
All in all, with the global laptop market projected to reach $195.5 billion in 2026 and AI PCs constituting over half of shipments, Framework captures a lucrative slice of the enthusiast market that refuses to be locked out of AI capabilities due to aging silicon.
3. Framework Laptop Resale Value Analysis
Framework laptops hold their value significantly better than traditional Windows laptops for unique reasons:
- The Chassis Doesn’t Depreciate: A 3-year-old Dell XPS is an “old laptop.” A 3-year-old Framework is just a “current chassis with an older chip.” The physical aluminum body remains a current asset because it can accept a 2026 mainboard.
- Part-Out Value: Sellers often part out their machines. If you damage the screen, you can still sell the mainboard, RAM, and expansion cards separately for near-market value on resale marketplaces like eBay, or sell your Framework laptop as-is via a buyback site.
- Enthusiast Premium: There is a dedicated community willing to pay a premium for used parts to build “Cyberdeck” projects or home servers, creating a price floor that doesn’t exist for other brands.
Comparative Depreciation Models
| Metric | Framework Laptop 13 | Apple MacBook Air (M3) | Dell XPS 13 (2024) |
| Initial Price (2024) | $1,200 | $1,299 | $1,250 |
| Expected Resale Value (2026) | $250 – $600 (Whole Unit) | $350 – $500 | $450 – $530 |
| Market Liquidity | High (Can sell unit or parts separately) | High (Whole unit only) | Moderate (Whole unit only) |
| Impact of Damage | Low (Replace cracked screen for $180, retain value) | Catastrophic (Cracked screen totals the resale value) | High (Repair costs often exceed value) |
| Battery Health Impact | Negligible (Buyer knows replacement is $59/5 mins) | Significant (Buyer factors in $160+ service cost) | Significant (Difficult replacement) |
Framework liquidity makes the brand appealing to users, especially for those who value repairability. In 2026, we are expected to see growing interest, although the market still remains specialized (<1% global share). Developers, Linux enthusiasts, and sustainability advocates are among users who favor Framework computers. The company’s appeal remains strong where control, repairability, and long-term value matter more than the lowest upfront cost.
Conclusion
In summary, Framework in 2026 is not just a laptop company; it is a proof of concept for a sustainable electronics industry. For consumers, it represents a secure investment in which the hardware adapts to the user, rather than forcing the user to adjust to hardware obsolescence.
Summary
| Feature | Framework Laptop | Traditional Laptop (Dell/Apple) |
| DIY Status | True DIY (Assembly & Upgrades) | Locked (Soldered components) |
| Repairability | 10/10 (QR codes, single tool) | 2/10 (Glued batteries, proprietary screws) |
| Port Selection | Hot-swappable (User choice) | Fixed at factory |
| 2026 Outlook | Growing via AI & New Form Factors | Stagnant innovation, higher prices |
| Resale Model | Component-based & Upgradable | Whole unit depreciation |
We personally love Framework’s approach and believe that users should be able to open, upgrade, and repair their laptops rather than replace them.
Olena is an operations manager at Gadget Salvation, wearing many hats and navigating the intersections of efficiency and innovation. With a deep passion for tech and sustainability, they thrive on exploring solutions that drive progress while protecting our planet.
