Prime Computer Launches a Modular Laptop

Swiss hardware company Prime Computer is joining Dell and Framework by developing a new laptop that's easy to upgrade thanks to its use of modules.

It's called the PrimeBook Circular, and the CPU, GPU, Wi-Fi, and RAM it contains can be removed and replaced in order to keep the laptop performant for many years to come. Prime says this new laptop brand is a response to growing demand for sustainable devices. The Circular is a 13.9-inch laptop, with a 3:2 aspect ratio (3,000-by-2,000 pixels) touch screen and finished in a dark gray anodized aluminum case.

There are three configuration options available for the laptop:

• Intel Celeron 6305 with Intel UHD graphics, 4GB RAM

• Intel Core i5-1135G7 with Intel Iris graphics, 8GB RAM

• Core i7-1165G7 with Intel Iris graphics, 16GB RAM

In all three cases, Intel AX201 wireless and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity is included. There's also a glass trackpad, fingerprint reader, M.2 storage capacities available up to 1TB, and a 77Whr battery with support for fast charging. Pricing has yet to be revealed.

Unlike most other laptops, you can pick the cheapest Celeron model and then later upgrade by purchasing the relevant module from Prime Computer. In future, the same should be possible when a new generation of processors, faster wireless, or larger/faster RAM modules appear.

As Liliputing points out, the one caveat to this modular upgrade system is the fact the CPU, RAM, and wireless chip are contained within the same module. So you can't simply upgrade one component at a time. Hopefully that's something Prime Computer can rectify in future modules, because offering a modular laptop should definitely be encouraged.