Unused Laptops: Exploring Ways To Reuse Old Parts

If attempts to tune the consumers' mindsets into positive change behaviour in how they dispose of unused laptops are not yielding expected results, then exploring cute alternatives cannibalizing them, and reusing or repurposing them might do the trick.

The more the emphasis on creating greater awareness about e-waste as an end in the campaigns for global sustainability best practices the better.  

Thus, it's a positive measure to get consumers highly aware that all discarded electronic gadgets, including phones, chargers, and computers, contain small amounts of precious and rare-earth metals such as gold, silver, platinum, cobalt, and lithium, which can be recovered and converted to good monies in their pockets.

How Framework is Doing This

Framework is one of a few companies leading the charge against disposable electronics, in particular laptops.

It just showed off some new models, but also a unique case that you can slot your old parts into to form a new (old) desktop or home media PC.

After reviewing last year’s Framework 13 and finding it a perfectly nice, conscience-soothing alternative to the usual suspects, I did begin to wonder what happens to the old parts when you decide to upgrade.

New board? Great, slot it in. And the old one goes… where? 

Their clever answer is this collaboration with Cooler Master: a $40 custom case that works with Framework parts, so as you upgrade your laptop, you also assemble a desktop.

Actually, it’s small enough that you could tuck it away and use it as a media server or something.

Honestly, it’s nice just to have a place to store the parts. The new Framework 13 is… not actually a new laptop, exactly, but a new set of parts that you can order all together in the form of a laptop.

In a way that’s just a laptop, yes, but you can also buy the pieces individually and slot them into your old Framework 13.

For instance, there’s a new matte screen and an improved hinge — you can cop just those if you want.

Or the improved speakers, battery, or, of course, the mainboard supporting the latest Intel and AMD processors.

Sure, you’re still taking part in the rat race of PC upgrades, but you’re not producing nearly as much waste, and there’s no need to worry about compatibility or anything.

Plus all the packaging is recyclable. Pop the old bits into that sweet little case and you’ll be feeling good.

We’ll try to get our hands on this and report back on the process soon.