Tech

Tomorrow's PCs could be modular for easy repairs and upgrades

The prototype from Dell can be quickly disassembled, with parts easily replaceable and upgradeable

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 18 Dec 2022 3:00PM

Tomorrow's PCs could be modular for easy repairs and upgrades
Dell presents an updated version of its Luna modular PC concept. – ETX pic, December 18, 2022

ONE year after presenting Luna, a first prototype for a PC that's easy to repair thanks to its interchangeable parts, Dell has now unveiled an updated version of this concept. This takes the form of a computer with no screws, and which can be taken apart in just a few seconds. The idea is to be able to quickly replace almost any part of the PC, without having to change the whole device due to the slightest technical problem.

The American manufacturer has considerably improved its concept, this time with a model without any screws. This can be opened up very quickly and its 10 or so major components can be easily replaced, either because they're worn out or to boost the machine's performance.

In practice, a single press unlocks the system. This allows you to lift the keyboard and access the internal components of the device. With no screws, the PC can be dismantled in just a few seconds. Then, the various components are all accessible and many of them can be easily removed and replaced. This is the case for the motherboard, the speakers, the fan and the battery. Note that even the screen can theoretically be changed.

The idea is to be able to quickly and easily update a PC, while recycling its various individual components which, where possible, can be repaired and reused. While any user can change one or more components, Dell also explains that this process could be automated and carried out by robots in a factory.

Luna is just a concept for the time being, but it nevertheless heralds a future generation of PC models that will be much more long-lasting than those currently on sale. The trend for modular high-tech devices is not new, however, with some first such devices already on sale, like the Framework PC or the Fairphone smartphone.

According to the WEEE Forum, as much as 57 million tonnes of electronic waste was discarded in 2021. – ETX Daily Up, December 18, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 1mth

Ministry committed to ensuring safe use of AI - Gobind

Malaysia / 4mth

Southeast Asia’s booming scam industry eyes Malaysia

Business / 1y

German tech company confident US tariffs will not impact its exports

Business / 1y

HP reaffirms commitment to invest in Penang

Education / 2y

SMK Permatang Pasir to carry national flag to FTC World Championships

Tech / 3y

How to avoid being fooled by fake mobile apps

Spotlight

Education

Fadhlina: Numerous factors considered before any decision made to close schools

Malaysia

Traffic congestion in Bandar Sunway persists into the afternoon

Malaysia

Two people allegedly stabbed in Kepong attack, student faces 20 years in jail

Malaysia

KLIA steps up K9 patrols at peak hours after security incidents

Malaysia

Customs seizes RM162m in drugs, including 460kg hidden in cemetery hut

Malaysia

Fourteen men charged over teenager’s death after alleged two-day ordeal

Malaysia

Instant billionaire? Bank customer finds RM1 billion mistakenly credited to account

Malaysia

Irene Sofiya murder: Accused’s family to take legal action over fake social media posts

World

Indonesia records 277,075 respiratory infections as forest fires fuel haze crisis

You may be interested

Events

Matrix Concepts recognised among top 10 developers in the country

Events

Sustainability among key pillars towards a better economy – Sarawak deputy premier

By Ian McIntyre

Community

Penang introduces self-service cutlery return initiative at food court

By Ian McIntyre

Community

Penang urged to plant new trees before felling those deemed rotten

By Ian McIntyre

Our Planet

Pacific El Niño waters hit record 29.7°C, raising risk of 2026 becoming hottest year

Health

MOH adds 1,237 AeroChambers, 556 nebulisers for haze response