The rise of ‘Frankenstein’ laptops in New Delhi’s repair markets The Verge
- Author: Hanan Zaffar
- Full Title: The rise of ‘Frankenstein’ laptops in New Delhi’s repair markets | The Verge
- Type:
- URL: https://www.theverge.com/tech/639126/india-frankenstein-laptops
Highlights
- Across India, in metro markets from Delhi’s Nehru Place to Mumbai’s Lamington Road, technicians like Prasad are repurposing broken and outdated laptops that many see as junk. These “Frankenstein” machines — hybrids of salvaged parts from multiple brands — are sold to students, gig workers, and small businesses, offering a lifeline to those priced out of India’s growing digital economy. (View Highlight)
- While these Frankenstein laptops are a lifeline for many, the repair industry itself faces significant roadblocks. Many global manufacturers deliberately make repairs difficult by restricting access to spare parts, using proprietary screws, and implementing software locks that force customers to buy new devices instead of fixing old ones. (View Highlight)