Hardware Sustainability & Framework Laptops

Arbory Digital has adopted modular laptops from Framework to enhance sustainability, reduce e-waste, and extend the lifespan of their hardware. This shift allows for easier repairs, upgrades, and a more environmentally-friendly approach to technology in the workplace.  We wanted to talk a bit about why we did this, and why it's a direction we hope more companies take in the future.

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In the tech industry, sustainability is often a challenge -- especially when it comes to hardware. Companies routinely cycle their employees through laptops every few years, producing mountains of e-waste. Nearly every tech professional has that "shelf of laptops" of old, discarded laptops that aged-out of daily-driver usefulness.  We wanted to do better.

So, we made the switch to Framework: a company building modular laptops (and now desktops!) with repairability , longevity , and the environment in mind.

The Challenge of Sustainability in Tech

Most organizations follow a 3–5 year retirement plan for laptops. After that, devices are either recycled or landfilled.

The problem?

• It’s wasteful
• It’s expensive
• And it's completely avoidable

The problem, of course, is that laptops are tightly-integrated machines with low tolerances, precise manufacturing, and a zillion things that can break.  In traditional laptop manufacturing, there's almost zero way to get around the fact that batteries will wear out, screens will break, the RAM the laptop shipped with is just not enough anymore, and above all - the laptop is now out of warranty.

Discovering Framework's Modular Laptops

Unlike traditional laptops with soldered components, Framework machines are designed to be taken apart, upgraded, and repaired by the user.

When a developer needs more power?
→ We upgrade the RAM or mainboard.

When a Project Manager leaves?
→ We simply swap out components, not toss it.

Nearly EVERY  component on a Framework laptop is user-serviceable and user-upgradeable.  A whole parts store exists on the Framework site for picking up new & upgraded bits, and there's even a market for 3rd-party 3D-printed parts as well.

Benefits of Modular Design

1. Ease of Upgrades: Framework laptops allow for straightforward upgrades. Users can replace memory, storage, and even the mainboard without needing specialized skills. If a Wi-Fi module fails, for instance, it can be easily replaced with a new one sent directly to the user.

2. Extended Lifespan: By enabling repairs and upgrades, Framework laptops can have a much longer useful life. Arbory Digital aims to extend the lifespan of our laptops to seven or even eight years, compared to the typical five-year cycle.

3. Sustainability: The ability to repair and upgrade devices significantly reduces e-waste. Instead of discarding a laptop due to a minor issue, we can keep it in use longer, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Community Impact

When Framework laptops eventually reach the end of their life for us, they still have value. We donate them to:

• Local schools
• Churches
• Community groups

This helps reduce e-waste and puts tech in the hands of people who need it most.

The Evolution of Framework Laptops

Framework has continually improved its products, releasing multiple upgrades since its initial launch. The company has introduced new generations of processors, screens, and other components, allowing users to keep their devices current without needing to buy new laptops. This adaptability is a significant advantage for organizations like ours, where technology needs can change rapidly.

Empowering Our Team (Especially New Hires)

We’ve noticed something cool: Framework laptops are helping our team — especially recent grads — learn about their machines.

People are:

• Taking ownership of their devices
• Learning how hardware works
• Building confidence

That’s culture-building through hardware.

Remote-Friendly Hardware Support

As a remote-first company, field repairs are a huge deal.

No IT desk? No problem.
Framework laptops let team members:

• Fix issues at home
• Get parts shipped directly
• Avoid downtime waiting on depot repair

Built-In Linux Compatibility

Though some staff need Windows for things like Adobe Creative Cloud or other tooling, a huge benefit of Framework laptops involves full and guaranteed Linux compatibility out of the box.  Popular distros like Fedora or Ubuntu work with zero drama, and excellent audio, video, camera, touchpad and fingerprint sensor driver compatibility.

We haven't yet also gotten on the Omarchy bus with @DHH, but it's sure an option too.

Wrapping Up

Our move to Framework laptops is about more than just cool tech. It’s about:

✅ Reducing environmental impact
✅ Empowering our team
✅ Stretching the useful life of our gear
✅ Rethinking what responsible IT looks like

We hope our approach inspires other organizations to consider repairable, modular hardware as a part of their sustainability journey.

Please give our podcast a listen, and reach out if you’d like to discuss how new infrastructure models like this might work for your environment! Please reach out!

Podcast Speakers & Authors

Like what you heard? Have questions about what’s right for you? We’d love to talk! Contact Us

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