Fixing Broken Laptops: A Guide to Manufacturer Repairability
Introduction
Laptops have become indispensable tools for work, education, and entertainment. However, when they inevitably break, the ability to repair them is crucial. According to a recent report, some laptop manufacturers have made significant strides in repairability, while others lag behind.
Repairability Analysis
The US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund conducted a study analyzing the repairability of laptops available to US buyers. The report focuses on physical repairs, excluding software updates or driver installations.
The study used the French repairability index as a benchmark, which assigns scores based on factors such as disassembly difficulty, availability of spare parts, and repair documentation. The report also considers factors such as battery and screen replacement options.
Manufacturer Rankings
The report gave the following repairability scores to major manufacturers:
- Lenovo: F (default failure due to insufficient data)
- Apple: 4.3
- HP: 5.9
- Microsoft: 6.5
- Asus: 7.2
- Acer: 7.1
Lenovo’s Low Score
Lenovo received an abysmally low score because it submitted only one laptop model for evaluation. However, the single model that was tested actually scored a 7.3 out of 10, indicating that Lenovo’s repairability may not be as bad as the overall score suggests.
Apple’s Marginal Improvement
Apple showed some improvement in repairability, with a disassembly score rising from 4.9 to 6.6. However, the overall score remains low, suggesting that Apple laptops are still difficult to repair.
Asus and Acer’s Solid Performance
Asus and Acer performed well, with disassembly scores of 8.3 and 7.8, respectively. Asus also had the highest overall repairability score, indicating that its laptops are relatively easy to repair.
Framework’s Modular Upgradeability
While the report focuses on manufacturers, it also highlights the importance of modular designs. Framework laptops offer unparalleled upgradeability, allowing users to swap out various components without the need for specialized tools or expertise.
Intel’s Modular Concept
Intel has also proposed modular laptop designs that would enhance both repairability and upgradability. These concepts have not yet been implemented in production models, but they offer a glimpse into the future of laptop repair.
Repairability vs. Upgradability
It’s important to distinguish between repairability and upgradability. Repairability refers to the ability to fix a broken laptop, while upgradability refers to the ability to enhance or replace components. While some laptops offer excellent repairability, they may have limited upgradability options.
Conclusion
The repairability of laptops varies widely between manufacturers. Asus and Acer offer easy-to-repair laptops, while Apple and Lenovo have room for improvement. Framework’s modular designs represent a groundbreaking approach to repairability and upgradability. By choosing laptops with high repairability scores, consumers can reduce the risk of costly repairs and extend the lifespan of their devices.
