Will there finally be an easily repairable and upgradable laptop? The Framework Laptop sounds like it might fit and it has me stupidly excited to see what happens.
The upcoming hardware is a thin, lightweight, high-performance 13.5" notebook that can be upgraded, customized, and repaired "in ways that no other notebook can". Not only is it modular it's also coming with good hardware too like a 3:2 screen with 2256x1504 resolution, a 1080p webcam, hardware privacy switches and a reasonable 55Wh battery.
It's not an ARM laptop either, it's a traditional Intel unit with 11th Gen Intel Core Processors configurable with Wi-Fi 6E, up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, and 4TB or more of Gen4 NVMe storage - meaning you'll be able to run most things with it including a fair amount of games.
- Our Expansion Card system makes adapters a thing of the past, letting you choose exactly the ports you want and which side of the notebook you want them on. With four bays, you can select from USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, ultra fast storage, a high-end headphone amp, and more.
- Along with socketed storage, WiFi, and two slots of memory, the entire mainboard can be swapped to boost performance as we launch updated versions with new CPU generations.
- High-use parts like the battery, screen, keyboard, and color-customizable magnetic-attach bezel are easy to replace. QR codes on each item take you directly to guides and the listing in our web store.
- In addition to releasing new upgrades regularly, we’re opening up the ecosystem to enable a community of partners to build and sell compatible modules through the Framework Marketplace.
Framework say they're trying to reduce waste with it too like using at least "50% post consumer recycled (PCR) aluminum and an average of 30% PCR plastic" and their packaging is going to be "fully recyclable with no single-use plastics". So they're coming at it from all angles.
Annoyingly it will come with Windows 10 as standard. However, they're also doing a Framework Laptop DIY Edition where you get to build it yourself from a kit of modules and they directly mentioned Linux for this part too. There's a joke to be made here about Linux and making it all yourself but in this case - it's actually seriously cool!
The Framework Laptop is available in a range of pre-configured models running Windows 10 Home or Pro. For those of you who love to tinker, we’ve also created the Framework Laptop DIY Edition, the only high-end notebook available as a kit of modules that you can customize and assemble yourself, with the ability to choose Windows or install your preferred Linux distribution. Regardless of the path you take, we include a screwdriver in the box so you can upgrade over time.
Hopefully though, with enough interest, they will also supply one pre-configured with Linux. Do let them know if you want to see that.
We've been told we're now on their press list, so once they're ready to talk more about specifications and different models we can let you know all the sweet details.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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Count me as a sceptic. Past promises of upgradable laptops, in particular work station notebooks with nominally upgradable graphics cards, don't have a good track record, of compatible upgrades actually being available.
I suspect it will be the same here -- an interesting concept, but you'll probably have a better device at any given time for the same total amount of money spent by buying standard mass-produced laptops.
I suspect it will be the same here -- an interesting concept, but you'll probably have a better device at any given time for the same total amount of money spent by buying standard mass-produced laptops.
3 Likes, Who?
That's a really good idea, seems like they're reusing Thunderbolt/USB4 as a common denominator for the expansion slots, just a bit sad of the low number of ports that the design allows - as I tend to use quite a few ports on my laptop rather often.
Hopefully they'll have multi-port modules at some point to help that, things like combined USB2 + ADC/DAC headset jack, mini-DP/HDMI combo, maybe one of those foldable ethernet ports.
Though I guess nowadays you're expected to use an external dock in case you need the added ports.
Hopefully they'll have multi-port modules at some point to help that, things like combined USB2 + ADC/DAC headset jack, mini-DP/HDMI combo, maybe one of those foldable ethernet ports.
Though I guess nowadays you're expected to use an external dock in case you need the added ports.
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This strikes me as something that will be expensive
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ObsidianBlk Feb 26, 2021
I wish them the best of luck. I really do. I find the idea exciting... but I'm skeptical about whether the mainstream will care enough about this to be viable. I loved the idea when this was talked about for phones and that never materialized. I doubt businesses will care about these sorts of laptops, as, on average, they seem to only keep their machines for maybe 5 years before buying new models all together. As for home users... IDK... I guess I'll give them another look when their product is available and has been around for a year or two.
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"finally"
Uh yeah, again.
My first two laptops were modular, up-gradable and you could obtain replacement parts.
You know, socketed CPU, RAM slots, plug-in batteries, ...
And along came Apple with their glued together throw-away landfill crap and other manufacturers noticed they could get away with planned obsolescence, selling unmaintainable and irreparable landfill products to increase profits just like Apple. And so they did.
Last edited by poisond on 26 February 2021 at 2:34 pm UTC
Uh yeah, again.
My first two laptops were modular, up-gradable and you could obtain replacement parts.
You know, socketed CPU, RAM slots, plug-in batteries, ...
And along came Apple with their glued together throw-away landfill crap and other manufacturers noticed they could get away with planned obsolescence, selling unmaintainable and irreparable landfill products to increase profits just like Apple. And so they did.
Last edited by poisond on 26 February 2021 at 2:34 pm UTC
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It was all nice and dandy until they said ultrathin and Intel. Untrathin laptops tend to run hot and underclock to survive. They also tend to be a bitch to do maintenance, lets see if they change that. The choice of a Intel CPU is also unfortunate, since the high core count AMDs are the ones to get nowadays.
I wish them luck, tough. Today's laptop market can use a little innovation and swap-able components are very attractive to any PC enthusiast.
I wish them luck, tough. Today's laptop market can use a little innovation and swap-able components are very attractive to any PC enthusiast.
2 Likes, Who?
nattydread Feb 26, 2021
It would be great if laptops could have modular GPU's too.
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My hopes for getting a laptop with a full 104 layout continues to elude me. I want my inverted-T with mobility. :) Plus, I found that after eye surgery and many seconds on the clock, tiny screens are agony to read. But, still hoping it works out and they end up with a bigger chassis and screen. (And modular keyboard, having a mechanical one would be awesome).
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Not to be dismissive but... every previous attempt at this exact thing has failed, utterly. Perhaps this time the tech is mature enough to make it viable? 
The biggest issue with this concept is that big OEM's don't see this as profitable. Letting consumers repair their own devices conflicts with the endless pursuit of making us buy new devices, so they will not jump onboard, meaning the concept is doomed to be small scale and thus quite costly for the consumer.
Those who have tried something similar have been burned bad or even killed.
Also, expensive means tiny market in normal times, and launching now? During the current global pandemic that's only getting worse every day? With electronics in desperately short supply in every industry? Hmm.
I really like the idea of a DIY kit, that would make an awesome gift to a tech hungry kid.
Fingers crossed this isn't vaporware or pipe dreams...
The biggest issue with this concept is that big OEM's don't see this as profitable. Letting consumers repair their own devices conflicts with the endless pursuit of making us buy new devices, so they will not jump onboard, meaning the concept is doomed to be small scale and thus quite costly for the consumer.
Those who have tried something similar have been burned bad or even killed.
Also, expensive means tiny market in normal times, and launching now? During the current global pandemic that's only getting worse every day? With electronics in desperately short supply in every industry? Hmm.
I really like the idea of a DIY kit, that would make an awesome gift to a tech hungry kid.
Fingers crossed this isn't vaporware or pipe dreams...
5 Likes, Who?
Chuckaluphagus Feb 26, 2021
I really want this to succeed.
Lenovo Thinkpads, at least the T-series that I'm familiar with, have always been great on user/field serviceability to replace parts. The full service manuals are PDF downloads, entirely free, and parts tend to be readily available for not-crazy prices.
This looks to be taking the idea of Thinkpads and running with it. A year from now, if Framework looks like it's going to survive for the long term, and the costs are acceptable, than it's going to be at the top of my list for a new laptop.
Lenovo Thinkpads, at least the T-series that I'm familiar with, have always been great on user/field serviceability to replace parts. The full service manuals are PDF downloads, entirely free, and parts tend to be readily available for not-crazy prices.
This looks to be taking the idea of Thinkpads and running with it. A year from now, if Framework looks like it's going to survive for the long term, and the costs are acceptable, than it's going to be at the top of my list for a new laptop.
Fingers crossed this isn't vaporware or pipe dreams...You and me both.
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Not to be dismissive but... every previous attempt at this exact thing has failed, utterly. Perhaps this time the tech is mature enough to make it viable?
*sigh* no, it's not about maturity, it's about profit. Planned obsolescence is more profitable. There used to be socketed mobile CPUs, RAM wasn't always soldered, we had standardized extension module formats for notebooks (PCMCIA) ... 2 friggin decades ago.
The biggest issue with this concept is that big OEM's don't see this as profitable. Letting consumers repair their own devices conflicts with the endless pursuit of making us buy new devices, so they will not jump onboard, meaning the concept is doomed to be small scale and thus quite costly for the consumer.
Those who have tried something similar have been burned bad or even killed.
M.2 is a standard, it's just a PCIe connector. Adding a standard for expansion modules based on that should be trivial.
Proprietary expansion modules are absolutely pointless, you need standards, otherwise you're at the mercy of the company's pricing strategy for the expansion modules/upgrade, their willingness for providing upgrades and the companies existence.
If you have to discard your device because you can't replace the battery: more profit. If you buy a new laptop because your RAM isn't sufficient anymore: more profit.
Unless we have laws to punish manufacturers for assaulting our environment and our wallets with this absurd tactic it won't change.
Apple isn't just not supporting repairs, it is actively suing companies that repair their products and doing everything in their power to make repair impossible. How this can be legal practice is beyond me. I just hope others aren't following Apple on this trend also, but seeing as they copy every atrocity Apple commits these days I see little hope.
Last edited by poisond on 26 February 2021 at 6:22 pm UTC
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PublicNuisance Feb 26, 2021
I'm most excited about this laptop because my wife likes the look of it and if she gets this over a Zenbook it will mean a much easier repair process for me down the road.
I am actually preferring the Intel GPU myself as I plan to want to run a FLOSS distro on it and AMD GPUs won't work for that.
I'd happily pay the 5K if I had it and it did cost that. Sometimes you have to put your money where your mouth is on certain issues. This laptop gives me many things I want, some of which no other laptop does.
Last edited by PublicNuisance on 26 February 2021 at 6:12 pm UTC
no amd?
I am actually preferring the Intel GPU myself as I plan to want to run a FLOSS distro on it and AMD GPUs won't work for that.
cool! how much we talking about? ...5K?
I'd happily pay the 5K if I had it and it did cost that. Sometimes you have to put your money where your mouth is on certain issues. This laptop gives me many things I want, some of which no other laptop does.
Last edited by PublicNuisance on 26 February 2021 at 6:12 pm UTC
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As someone who currently works in a computer repair shop in the UK this does sound interesting. Wonder if I could encourage my manager into getting a bunch of parts for these in stock so we could build laptops to order for customers while they wait - that could be pretty cool if it works out. Would want to see the hardware for myself once it comes out first though.
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Philadelphus Feb 27, 2021
As someone who currently works in a computer repair shop in the UK this does sound interesting. Wonder if I could encourage my manager into getting a bunch of parts for these in stock so we could build laptops to order for customers while they wait - that could be pretty cool if it works out. Would want to see the hardware for myself once it comes out first though.Sounds like a great marketing concept (to a certain class of people): "Come in and build your own computer from our vast selection of parts!"
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Two really nice decisions:
Last edited by xavi on 27 February 2021 at 12:20 am UTC
- "3:2 screen"
- "great feeling keyboard with 1.5mm key travel."
Last edited by xavi on 27 February 2021 at 12:20 am UTC
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From what I read in the past, many types of plastic when recycled leave lots of C02 behind, because you have to select it from the landfill, transport it to a facility, melt, purify, recolor, re-cast and do a new finish on all the pieces. In many cases the carbon footprint can be even larger when you recycle it, in comparison with creating new plastic parts, which are cheaper too.
This is a nice idea, and having waste piling up is horrible, but I don't think having this PC is either going to help the environment, nor the consumer, which has to rely that all the interconnects are well made, and that the company is going to stick around at least a decade, offering replacement parts and upgrades at a reasonable price.
This is a nice idea, and having waste piling up is horrible, but I don't think having this PC is either going to help the environment, nor the consumer, which has to rely that all the interconnects are well made, and that the company is going to stick around at least a decade, offering replacement parts and upgrades at a reasonable price.
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Apple isn't just not supporting repairs, it is actively suing companies that repair their products and doing everything in their power to make repair impossible. How this can be legal practice is beyond me. I just hope others aren't following Apple on this trend also, but seeing as they copy every atrocity Apple commits these days I see little hope.
And yet I have my iPad Air 2 without any issues for now nearly 6 years, while the iPad mini that I replaced is still going strong for my mother and only recently has started having issues due to the Youtube app not being updated anymore. No other mobile devices in the household have remained in service for so long. I got burned particularly bad with the Galaxy S7, because I learned only much after the purchase that SD cards are not fully compatible extension storage after all. Adding insult to injury, this is because Samsung first removed the adoptable storage option from the GUI, and when people started doing it by ADB, eventually patched it out on a lower level.
When I compare my previous longevity experiences, Apple comes of quite well compared to any portable Android or Windows device.
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