Framework's Mystery Box Deals Offer Budget-Friendly Laptop Parts - But There's a Catch

Framework is known for its modular laptops with user-replaceable components, and now the company is offering a unique opportunity to get those parts at significant discounts through mystery box deals. However, these deals come with substantial risk that buyers need to understand before purchasing.

What Framework Is Offering

The mystery boxes contain returned components from Framework's service center, with prices starting at just $39 for a small box with three Framework Laptop 13 components (excluding mainboards). For $49, you can get a mainboard designed for the Framework Laptop 13, or $59 for a box that includes both a mainboard and three other components. Framework Laptop 16 components are available for an additional $10 each.

The Gambling Element

Here's where the risk comes in: these parts are returned components with no information about why they were returned, and no guarantee that they're functional. The company explicitly states that the parts come with no warranty, and you cannot return mystery boxes or request refunds. You won't know which specific mainboard or Framework parts you're buying until you receive them.

What You Might Get

The mystery boxes could contain various components including expansion cards like DisplayPort, HDMI, or Ethernet ports, spare keyboards, fans, or displays. If you opt for a Framework Laptop 13 mainboard, you could receive boards with different processor options including 11th or 12th-gen Intel Core processors, Intel Core Ultra (Series 1) chips, or AMD Ryzen 7040 or Ryzen AI 300 processors. Framework Laptop 16 mainboards are more limited in options, with only Ryzen 7040 or Ryzen AI 300 processor choices available.

The appeal is clear: a single-board computer with any of those chips, four or more USB Type-C ports, and support for Framework's modular laptop ecosystem represents a good deal at $49 or $59 - assuming you get a working unit and not a dead motherboard.

Other Mobile Tech Deals This Week

Beyond Framework's mystery boxes, several other notable deals are available:

Laptops

• Lenovo Yoga 7 14" OLED convertible with Ryzen AI 5 340/16GB/512GB for $600 at Best Buy
• HP OmniBook X Flip 14" convertible with Ryzen AI 7 350/24GB/1TB for $780 at Best Buy
• Lenovo ThinkPad T14 with Core Ultra 7 255U/16GB/512GB for $920 at Best Buy (February 27 only)

Smartphones & Tablets

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 10.9" Android tablet with S-Pen for $380 and up at Amazon
• Google Pixel Fold (1st-gen) for $449 at Woot

Charging Accessories

• AmazonBasics 65W USB-C single-port wall charger for $11 at Woot
• Anker 65W 3-port wall USB wall charger for $26 at Amazon

Audio Equipment

• Anker Soundcore P40i noise-cancelling earbuds for $42 at Amazon
• Anker Soundcore Space Q45 wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones for $100 at Amazon
• Refurb Sony WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling earbuds for $114 at Secondipity (via eBay with 2-year warranty)
• Bose QuietComfort wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones for $229 at Amazon

Downloads

• 6 Focus Entertainment PC games for $25 at Humble Bundle
• 39 Discworld eBooks for $16 at Humble Bundle

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