Though it is difficult to ensure how the consumers will respond to such a laptop series that will include used components to reduce waste, Dell is planning to do a lot more with the design, i.e., work on its repairability and use minimal parts to put the machine together. It might take years for Dell to realize the “Concept Luna” project, but we can expect some positive effects whenever it launches.
The Influences:
Laptop repair has become an Achilles’ heel for many since big tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft started making laptops with little to zero repairability. These brands got low scores for repairability on iFixit and in a report released by US PIRG. The issue of laptop companies creating unrepairable devices instigated the “right to repair” movement and law. As an outcome, the recent Surface line laptops released by Microsoft improved repairability but still can’t seem to match the standard. And though Dell got fairly high scores along with HP, Asus, and Acer, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that repairability is one of the biggest needs of consumers today, which is why brands are now turning towards this holistic approach. Especially with competitors like Framework in the market that have launched laptops with 100% repairability and upgradability, it makes sense that Dell would want to stay in the game by providing a better option.
What to expect?
The video shows us a model of a laptop with a modular design that uses minimal parts on the motherboard, reducing 75% of the usual size. The fewer layers in creating the screen would allow the display to consume less energy. However, when it comes to the fanless system that it talks about, it isn’t easy to imagine how the machine will operate without fans. Even if we consider the reduction of internal components and overall load on the system, machines get hot with consistent use, so it’ll be interesting to see what alternative comes into play to keep the laptop cool. The disassembly part seems pretty attractive for DIY repairs, especially with the use of lesser screws and bolts. With the unified material keyboard assembly, you can easily remove the two keystones and take off the whole keyboard, getting direct access to the battery and other components. Pulling off another keystone that holds the screen allows you to slide off the screen as you access the motherboard and a heat sink for controlling the thermal temperature. However, will the heat sink be enough? We’ll see that once the laptop launches in the near future.
The Recycling and Reusing:
Overall, one can figure that this laptop would be highly repairable and upgradable, allowing all components to become replaceable. But that’s not all. For better sustainability, Dell plans to recycle and reuse the components. For instance, Dell could evaluate the performance level of a used Intel Core i7 chip. If they find out that after degradation, it provides good results as per another Intel Core chip’s level like Core i5 or Core i3, they will install it in the new laptop and sell it as Core i5 or Core i3 under full warranty. This step may pave the way to using components for a longer term, reducing waste and allowing you to keep servicing the laptop until you decide to buy a new one. All parts will be recyclable and reusable. Some folks replace the whole laptop when the panel gets damaged as they have product insurance to claim. However, with “Luna,” you could replace just the panel and keep it going. And if the laptop completely dies, Dell could still use some parts like the screen while components like the keyboard would probably get recycled.
The conclusion:
One can say that Dell has come up with this concept considering many factors like the “right to repair” and climate change. The longer one uses a product, the better it is for the sustainability of the entire earth’s environment as it’ll reduce a plethora of waste that contaminates the water, land space, and air. Also, forget not how such a laptop may save you money as you won’t be forced to buy a new model if anything goes wrong with your current laptop. For now, “Concept Luna” is merely an idea and a project based on long-term goals; however, its realization might also benefit Dell’s brand image and provide a positive consumer response.
