Framework Computer with Nirav Patel
Nirav Patel, founder and CEO of Framework Computer, discusses building a repairable, modular laptop from scratch, contrasting his company's open philosophy with the planned obsolescence of incumbents like Dell. He details the engineering challenges of the Framework Laptop 16, including its upgradeable GPU module, the use of Candu retimers, and the strategic decision to manufacture in Taiwan to avoid Section 301 tariffs. Patel also explains the business model of aligning incentives around longevity, the difficulty of fundraising for consumer hardware, and the vibrant ecosystem of community-driven expansion cards and custom builds.