Schenker And Pegatron Showcase Semi Modular Panther Lake Laptop Concept At CES
Pegatron and Schenker Technologies, working in collaboration with Intel, have revealed a repair friendly and sustainability focused 16 inch laptop concept at CES 2026 under the project name M16P. The key differentiator is a semi modular design built for long product life, easier maintenance, and real upgrade paths that go beyond the usual storage only approach most mainstream laptops lock users into. Schenker Technologies says the commercial version is expected to launch in Europe as the SCHENKER ELEMENT 16 in spring 2026.
The semi modular architecture is centered on replaceable and easy to maintain parts, with modular I O boards for external connectivity and serviceable core components such as the battery, fans, keyboard, storage, and even a RAM module. A screwless quick release mechanism on the bottom shell is designed to provide straightforward access to the interior, removing the friction that typically makes laptop servicing feel like a one way trip to warranty void territory. In practical terms, this is a concept that targets repair workflows and incremental upgrades, especially for users and businesses that want to keep a system in rotation for years rather than replacing it on a standard refresh cycle.
Memory and keyboard upgrade options are a major part of the concept. The SCHENKER ELEMENT 16 includes 16GB DDR5 6400 BGA RAM, but also provides an upgradeable SO DIMM socket that supports up to 64GB of additional memory. Schenker notes that up to 32GB runs in dual channel mode, and the BGA RAM can be deactivated if necessary, which is a meaningful flexibility lever for long term serviceability scenarios. The keyboard is also designed to be easy to replace, which is positioned not just as a repair win but also as a layout flexibility feature, making it simpler to switch between ANSI and ISO layouts depending on user requirements or regional deployment.
Schenker also describes a forward looking motherboard upgrade path, with plans for future mainboards that could move from Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors to future Intel platforms. The company says documentation for repair and upgrade steps will be available, which is critical because modular hardware only becomes truly usable when the support material is accessible and clear for both end users and professional integrators. The sustainability angle extends beyond serviceability as well, with Schenker stating that many chassis components are made from recycled metal or recycled plastic.
On the platform side, the SCHENKER ELEMENT 16 is built around Intel Core Ultra Series 3 Panther Lake processors, including the Intel Core Ultra 7 356H with 16 cores and up to 4.7 GHz. Intel integrated graphics is positioned for efficient productivity performance plus entry level gaming, which fits the target segment of prosumers and business users who want a capable daily machine without requiring a discrete GPU. The device also supports modern connectivity and security standards including Thunderbolt 4, TPM 2.0, Wi Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.
Display specifications also lean into professional usability. The laptop features a 16 inch panel in a 16 to 10 aspect ratio with resolutions up to 2560 x 1600, paired with 100% sRGB color space coverage. Durability is addressed via testing aligned with MIL STD 810H, which Schenker positions as part of meeting corporate grade reliability requirements.
For the gaming and creator audience watching this, the real story is the product philosophy shift. Semi modular laptops have historically been niche, expensive, or limited to specific ecosystems, but this concept aims to package repairability and upgrades into a more mainstream 16 inch form factor tied to an Intel platform roadmap. If the execution lands, it could appeal to users who treat laptops like long term rigs rather than disposable hardware, especially those who want the option to replace high wear components like fans, batteries, and keyboards without sending the whole unit away.
Schenker is targeting a spring 2026 market launch for the SCHENKER ELEMENT 16 in Europe. Pricing and final specifications are not confirmed yet.
If more laptop brands offered semi modular designs like the SCHENKER ELEMENT 16, would you prioritize repairability and upgrade paths over thinner chassis designs, or is ultra thin still the top priority for you?
