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.
TheRiddick Feb 27, 2021
Also no AMD CPU is a bit sad given Intel CPU's generally consume more power.
Quoting: TheRiddickFrom past observations of these kinds of laptop things, is that the parts end up costing way too much and it would be allot cheaper to just buy a laptop without upgrades in mind except the usual stuff.
Also no AMD CPU is a bit sad given Intel CPU's generally consume more power.
For the CPU, it seems they based a lot of their extension on thunderbolt so intel choice is understandable.
As for the part price, well guess it depends how much volume they can move. But I agree, this is going to be the most complicated part. Now, if all is upgrade-able and you can keep a fair part of the laptop each time, then you can hope to recoup your cost as time pass. I certainly like the idea anyway, albeit I also have some doubts on whether they will manage to make it fly or not.
I do not even read, that they guarantee that everything will work with Linux (not to even think about OOTB). Who wants to buy something really expensive, to try and tinker to get it (perhaps) working well?
At least, not me.
Perhaps they will be successful. If only 10% from the "Fridays For Future" people would by such a Laptop instead of a "cool MacBook", they should sell enough to make a living.
But I doubt this will happen. I have kids in school and see the parents and children that praise FFF - they do nearly all have big cars, mostly new Apple Devices, and of course always new and fine fashioned clothes.
It could also be a nice thing for schools - repairing is surely a thing there.
I wish them good luck. I would personally consider buying such a kind of environment friendly device at a higher price - but only with guaranteed OOTB Linux support.
The insane "throw away culture" is really not a good thing.
Projectile Vomit Mar 1, 2021
I'm eager to know more, especially if these will be able to take a Linux build. It's been so long, I wouldn't know what to do with Windows.
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