Intel maintains its vision of modular PCs and unveiled a gaming laptop at CES.
We saw this concept car at the CES show.
During CES 2025, Intel opened the doors of its exclusive "Innovation Showcase" to journalists, where prototypes of next-generation laptops and large 3D handheld gaming consoles were showcased. Amid the incredible innovations, I noticed a metal handheld device that seemed to be only partially connected to its screen. When I lifted it, the screen detached easily, catching my attention for how light it felt for being a real tablet. When I turned it over, I found three connectors on the bottom.
On the table, there was a laptop with a piece of plastic on its bottom that seemed to fit perfectly. Shortly after, Colin Helms, Intel's gaming evangelist, confirmed that it was a conceptual modular PC. This module houses a complete Intel Lunar Lake computer system, including all the necessary components for its operation, excluding peripherals and screen. This is a revival of the Compute Card idea, although it is not an exclusively Intel project and it is unlikely to reach the market.
The concept comes from Quanta, a company that, although not typically featured among most laptop and tablet brands, is an ODM (like Compal, Pegatron, Wistron, and Foxconn) responsible for designing and manufacturing hardware for other brands. Quanta calls this entire modular system “AI8A,” and the mentioned module is known as the “Detachable AI Core.” Helms noted that this module can also connect to other computing devices conceptually, including an all-in-one desktop that Intel did not present.
The modular laptop has innovative features still in development. For example, it has a motorized hinge that allows the lid to open and close automatically. Additionally, it includes eye tracking, which makes it easy to move multitasking windows simply by focusing on where you want to place them. There is also consideration for an integrated mouse in a ring that the user could wear.
Among the more ordinary functionalities is a Qi wireless charging pad on the palm rest, with indicator lights showing the remaining battery capacity. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to test these features, nor did I manage to find out the meaning of “AI8A,” as I initially thought it said Aiba until I reviewed my photos. The module could not be swapped between the portable device and the laptop, as the latter did not contain an internal battery.
It is important to note that this computer concept is fascinating, but it is unlikely to be commercialized, even in a more practical form with fewer gadgets. However, we have started to observe some real and practical modularity in the laptop domain since the disappearance of Intel's Compute Card. Framework recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, and Dell took a first step forward with its first repairable modular USB-C port at CES.