Repairable, long-lasting Linux computers with an in-house workshop and long-term spare parts supply
why! open computing SA
Prilly (Rte de Renens 4) · CHNew on Amplifa
About why! open computing
why! open computing SA is a Swiss provider of repairable and long-lasting computers based in Prilly near Lausanne. The company offers laptops and desktops with pre-installed Ubuntu LTS as well as free open-source software, and also sells Fairphone smartphones and accessories. The devices are built modularly: components such as the battery, SSD, memory and keyboard can be replaced with simple tools; the corresponding disassembly and repair guides are published by why! freely available on iFixit. An in-house workshop in Prilly handles repairs and maintenance, complemented by remote maintenance and telephone support. According to the company, spare parts are kept available for at least ten years, also as used parts at reduced prices. The goal is a repair-friendly alternative to planned obsolescence in the electronics industry. why! has been active for over ten years and, as an SA (public limited company), organizes distribution through its own online shop in the regions of Switzerland and Europe.
- Site
- Prilly
- Processes
- Repair and maintenance of laptops/computers (workshop in Prilly), Repair service (workshop in Prilly), Remote maintenance/remote support, Spare parts supply (batteries, keyboards, SSD, RAM, available for at least 10 years), Self-repair guides (iFixit), Linux pre-installation (Ubuntu LTS) with open-source software
- Materials
- Ubuntu LTS (GNU/Linux), Open-source software
- Industries
- Private customers, Businesses/IT, Education/public administration, Education/public administration (implied: sovereign open-source IT Switzerland)
- 01
Design of repairable, modular computers
- 02
Distribution via online shop (Switzerland, Europe)
- 03
Delivery with pre-installed Ubuntu LTS
- 04
Support (remote maintenance, telephone, e-mail)
- 05
Repair in the Prilly workshop or self-repair via iFixit guide
- 06
Long-term spare parts supply (including used parts)
Systems & Software
Ubuntu LTS (GNU/Linux)
Pre-installed free operating system, supplied with updates for five years, without licence costs.
Open-source software
Pre-installed free software without paid licences for all essential tasks.
Locations
Prilly
CHHead office with workshop/repair workshop
Products
Inside the production
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Repair and maintenance of laptops/computers (workshop in Prilly)Assembly | – | – | – | – | – |
Additional services
History
why! has been active for over ten years (statement on the website)