New Modular Tablet Designed to Last 10 Years

Imagine buying a tablet today that's still going strong in 2036, with parts you can replace yourself instead of tossing the whole thing when the battery dies.

That's the promise behind the open_slate, a new modular tablet from Brax Technologies that treats electronic waste like the problem it is. Creator Rob Braxman, who successfully delivered a privacy-focused phone to 1,100 backers in 2024, designed this device to be opened with a screwdriver so anyone can swap batteries or upgrade storage without special tools or technical expertise.

The 12-inch tablet runs on Android and Linux operating systems, giving users flexibility without requiring a Google account. It comes in two versions: a base model with 8GB RAM and a 2.4K screen at $469, or a Pro version with 12GB RAM and a sharper OLED display for $629.

What makes this tablet different is what's inside and how easily you can change it. An M2 slot accepts solid-state drives for up to 1TB of extra storage, cellular modems for 5G connectivity, or AI accelerator cards for running language models locally. When your battery loses capacity after years of use, you can replace it yourself instead of buying a new tablet.

The device packs more ports than most tablets dare to include: multiple USB-C ports, USB-A, micro HDMI, and a headphone jack. That means you can connect external displays, keyboards, mice, and other accessories without dongle hell.

The Ripple Effect

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, with millions of tablets and phones discarded annually because batteries degrade or storage fills up. Making devices repairable by regular people, not just technicians, challenges the throwaway culture that's filled landfills with perfectly good electronics that just needed a battery swap.

Privacy advocates will appreciate the five physical switches that completely disable cameras, microphone, GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Unlike software toggles that require trust, these hardware switches give users absolute control over what their device can and can't do.

The crowdfunding campaign has already raised over $900,000 from more than 1,100 backers, with shipping planned for September 2026. Braxman's team delivered on their previous phone project, building credibility for this more ambitious tablet.

The open_slate won't compete with flagship tablets on raw specs alone. Its real innovation is treating users like owners who should be able to fix and upgrade what they buy, not renters forced to replace everything every few years when batteries wear out.