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Reference designs for a raw kind of modular calculator could be the gateway toward laptops and miniskirt - microcomputer that are easily repairable and reduce electronic waste material ( e - waste ) , Intel engineers hope .

The computing giant has record off its dream to create a young PC computer architecture for laptops that revolves around a motherboard split into several modules — comprising a core mainboard and divide I / atomic number 8 modules for handle things like connectivity . This disagree from the all - in - one design commonly found in most laptops . The engine driver published their pattern on Jan. 22 in ablog post .

Person using a screwdriver to repair a laptop.

Intel is reimagining modular laptops from the core up.

Splitting a traditional motherboard into multiple component creates a scalable figure that enables the reuse of components in laptops of dissimilar sizes and layout . This modular approach mean you may trade out faulty motherboard component rather than needing to supersede the intact mainboard . espouse a standardized modular pattern also means laptop makers could cut manufacturing costs and reduce waste .

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" By developing a new approach to organization conception that set aside for easy upgrade and component transposition , we purport to significantly extend the usable life of computation twist , thereby reducing electronic waste product and promoting a more sustainable uptake model , " three Intel representatives collectively wrote in theblog post .

Illustration created by Intel showing compartments of the new laptop.

Intel is reimagining modular laptops from the core up.

Modular moves

The crux of modular laptops is that if a component breaks or needs to be upgraded , it can be easy swapped out by the user or a skilled technician without needing to replace other division of the machine or be sent back to the factory .

This has been the caseful with some parts of Panasonic ’s ToughBook laptops and theFramework Laptop 13 , a highly modular laptop computer with a design that enables multiple component to be swapped in and out , and hardware that ’s easily accessed — not paste down , as is the case with other laptop computer brands .

However , such modularity is far from exchangeable . unluckily , as good as the entries on our list of thebest laptops for coding and programmingandbest laptop for studentsare , these auto lack many , if any , upgradable components . If they transgress , they often need specialist repair .

3d rendered image of Neuron cell network on black background. Interconnected neurons cells with electrical pulses. Conceptual medical image.

Intel ’s " Modular Architecture Blueprint " calculate to deepen this by taking modularity further than Framework ’s laptop and render a reference excogitation that addresses modularity from the fabrication degree , to field resort and user upgrades . Add in easy swappable computer memory , storage and Wi - Fi components — still not commonly replaceable in mainstream laptops — and Intel could show in a laptop design that alleviate more customization for ironware makers yet does n’t stymie DIY repair .

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Intel is also looking to achieve the same with miniskirt - PCs , only with raging - swappable M.2 module that allow for key components like the graphic processing unit and processor to be easily swapped in a " plug and bet " coming . While full - size and stocky desktop PCs have always been modular , with the power to swap main components in and out , the compact nature of miniskirt - PC makes such modularity a strong proposition .

If Intel can ship these reference designs to reckoner makers , it could usher in more laptops and mini - PCs that can be upgraded andrepaired by users , while also reducing the amount of e - waste that is produce .

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