Compal Adapt X: A fresh take on modular laptops
The Compal Adapt X laptop made its debut when it won an iF Design Award. The company behind it introduced a Framework Laptop alternative that takes a slightly different approach to modularity. Whilst Framework trusts customers to install and remove components from the motherboard on their own and properly handle a screwdriver, Compal opted for a hub solution that allows users to easily plug in components.
This approach isn’t as flexible as Framework’s system. For instance, all I/Os are located on a single module, meaning they can’t be replaced individually. Nevertheless, the Compal Adapt X concept notebook is designed to make swapping the display, keyboard, battery, storage and memory a breeze. Interestingly, most of the modules can also be used independently of the laptop.
For example, the display can serve as a mobile USB-C monitor, the keyboard and trackpad can function as Bluetooth input devices, and the I/O module doubles as a standalone USB hub. This ensures that selected components remain usable even if the laptop has a defect. The Compal Adapt X is envisioned to feature a 14-inch or 16-inch display.
Since the Adapt X is currently just a concept device, it’s unclear whether this design will ever make it to the market. Modular construction typically results in a heavier and more expensive product, which explains why modular notebooks, aside from the Framework Laptop, haven't achieve significant commercial success so far.
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