The Dangers of Disposable Technology

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards creating laptops that are less repairable and more disposable. For instance, Apple has opted to solder RAM and storage into their notebooks, and other manufacturers are following suit by soldering RAM in select models. This trend is troubling, as it primarily serves corporate interests at the expense of everyday consumers.

Let’s dive deeper into why having the ability to upgrade our computers is crucial.

The Need for Upgrades After Purchase

Throughout my experience with various systems—some running Windows, others macOS—I’ve frequently found myself in need of additional RAM or storage shortly after making a purchase. More often than not, I was able to upgrade my system to meet my growing needs, and I know many others have shared similar experiences.

Perhaps you’ve faced this situation: you acquire a system that fits your requirements at the time, but as your workload increases—whether through video editing or running resource-intensive software—you find that your machine is struggling to keep up. While external storage can serve as a temporary solution, it’s not always practical or convenient. Having internal storage makes it easier to manage files without the hassle of external drives.

RAM presents a different challenge; there are no viable external alternatives. As technology evolves, the specifications we require today may not suffice tomorrow.

For example, only a few years ago, 8GB of RAM was considered quite ample. Then, 16GB became the standard. However, many workloads now demand even more. When this happens, users are often left with two choices: either sell their machine at a loss to purchase a new one or upgrade their existing system, assuming that option is available.

I personally experienced this when my Dell XPS came with a 1TB drive, which I initially thought would be more than enough. However, as I approached full capacity, I quickly ordered a 2TB drive from Amazon, installed it in about 15 minutes, and solved my storage issue without needing to buy a new laptop.

As I continue to work with higher-resolution footage, I anticipate needing more RAM as well. Luckily, my system allows for quick upgrades—up to 64GB—ensuring I can adapt to my future needs.

The Importance of Repairability

In my IT career, I’ve seen countless computers fail for various reasons, from user error to unexpected hardware malfunctions. Regardless of the cause, it’s always disheartening when a system is beyond repair. I’ve witnessed soldered RAM and storage fail, leaving users unable to recover critical data. This is particularly frustrating for anyone who has invested in a machine only to find it unrepairable due to its design.

Imagine being told your years of work are lost because your computer, which you bought at a premium price, is impossible to fix. It’s a frustrating scenario that could be avoided with more repair-friendly designs.

While it’s essential to have backups—something I strongly advocate—frequent backups aren’t always possible. I’ve seen users lose data due to infrequent backups, and when a machine with soldered storage fails, data recovery can be prohibitively expensive or simply impossible.

I know that if my Dell XPS were to fail, I could easily remove the SSD I installed and access my data elsewhere. That peace of mind is invaluable.

Longevity and Sustainability

Technology is notorious for sudden failures. I’ve seen everything from RAM and SSDs to keyboards and displays fail unexpectedly. Many clients have recycled machines that were otherwise functional due to minor issues that could have been resolved with a simple part replacement.

For instance, I have an older ThinkPad that was destined for recycling. After replacing its SSD and adding more RAM, it’s still functional and serves various purposes. While it may not match the performance of newer models, it demonstrates that machines can have a longer lifespan with just a few upgrades.

It’s true that non-repairable machines can still last a long time, but I’ve also seen many fail unexpectedly when out of warranty. The ability to replace just one part can extend the life of a machine significantly.

The Misconception About Upgradability

A common belief is that opting for modular designs means sacrificing performance. However, I have yet to encounter a convincing argument supporting this claim. For example, while some suggest that Apple’s soldered SSDs are faster, PCI-E Gen 4 SSDs often match their speed.

Moreover, socketed components can take up slightly more space, but advancements like DDR5 technology are paving the way for even denser configurations.

A Shared Responsibility

The issue of soldered components isn’t exclusive to Apple; many manufacturers, including Dell, Lenovo, and HP, also solder certain parts. As a Mac user who appreciates my MacBook Pro, I understand that this isn’t merely an Apple problem.

One of my all-time favorite computers was a 2008 MacBook Pro, which allowed for easy upgrades and repairs. Unfortunately, newer models have increasingly moved towards soldered components under the guise of being “thin and light.”

The Fallacy of "Just Buy a New One"

Many people advocate for simply replacing a computer rather than upgrading or repairing it. But consider someone who owns a relatively new machine with 16GB of RAM and suddenly needs more. Should they sell their current laptop at a loss and buy a new one? Or is it more sensible to upgrade the existing system for a fraction of the cost?

This mentality leads to wastefulness, as it encourages discarding machines that still have life left in them simply because one component has failed.

Supporting the Right to Upgrade

Even if you don’t personally care about upgrading or repairing your technology, it’s crucial to support those who do. Many individuals depend on their devices and cannot afford costly repairs or replacements.

It’s important that manufacturers prioritize creating systems that are easier to repair and upgrade, benefiting both users and the environment.

I’m excited about companies like Framework, which demonstrate that it’s possible to create aesthetically pleasing, upgradable, and affordable systems. Their products show that a fixable laptop isn’t a mere dream but a viable option if manufacturers choose to pursue it.

The first video discusses whether you should upgrade an old PC or buy a new one, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of each choice.

The second video looks at whether you should upgrade or completely replace your computer, providing insights into making the best decision for your needs.