Dell has presented a new version of its concept of modular portable that can be easily opened and serviced. Similar to the Chromebook made by Framework, the idea of this computer is migrate towards a sustainable future where laptops are scalable. The new Concept Luna is a collaboration between Dell and Intel and is based on the 12th generation Alder Lake processor.
In a media presentation, Dell demonstrated that the Concept Luna can be opened and disassembled all parts in less than a minute. The components are kind of like LEGO blocks that slide together easily. A striking feature is that the laptop does not have a single cableso the user will not have to deal with this problem.
Although it is not necessary to use a screwdriver, some components require the use of a pointed tool. Such is the case of the screen, where we will have to insert the tool or any pointed object into a hole to unlock it and disconnect the cable. The concept of this mechanism is similar to when we use a pin to eject the SIM card tray.
The Concept Luna that Dell showed on this occasion is an improved version that makes access to components even easier. The most obvious change is the replacement of the four screws with a mechanism that closes under pressure. Another notable tweak is the presence of a fan that plugs into the motherboard, which replaces the previously offered passive cooling.
The advances are not only in the reduction of parts, but also the use of recyclable materials. The circuit board is made of flax fiber and the parts use a soluble polymer that can dissolve to separate metals and other components. The notebook also integrates a deep-cycle battery designed to provide power for many years.
Dell has no intention of selling a modular laptop like the Concept Luna
Although Dell made considerable progress on its idea of a modular laptop, the company has no plans to produce and sell it. The idea of a repairable Dell XPS 13 with the option to upgrade its components sounds very appealing. Nevertheless, company vision it is testing a platform that in the future would mean a 50% reduction in carbon footprint of the product.
The company aims reuse or recycle a product for every piece of equipment you sell by 2030. The idea is to reach the goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and Concept Luna is part of the strategy.
What if we could push reuse to the limit and drastically reduce the carbon footprint of our products?
In accordance with Ars TechnicaDell wants recycle the parts of your computers and reuse them in other equipment, so that they can make the most of their lifetime. To do this, he has created a system based on robots that identifies laptops and extracts components that may be useful. With this, they would not only reduce the environmental impact, but would also automate the process, saving resources.
A future vision of reuse, repair and recreation: our position is simple. We need to move from use, then recycle, to use, reuse multiple times, and then recycle when the material can no longer be used in its original form.
The current Concept Luna prototype is a Dell collaboration with Intel based on the 12th generation of processors (Alder Lake).