Continuing to put their money where their mouth is, the team at Framework are keeping things open and they've just announced the source code release for their Embedded Controller firmware.
What they're using is actually based on Google's chromium-ec project, which is the EC firmware used in Chromebooks. They've put the code up on GitHub under the BSD license. They didn't have to do this but it's great to see and keeps up with their commitment to allow people to do whatever they want with the Framework Laptop, which is one of the most exciting laptops we've seen for some time now.
The Embedded Controller is what talks with low-level stuff like power sequencing, keyboard control, thermal control, battery charging and so on.
Missed the news on Framework? It's a laptop that will come in two editions, and they fully support Linux with it too. The DIY edition comes with no operating system, and you get to build it yourself. It's really cool. It's modular, upgradable and the expansion card system looks great giving you tons of options for connectivity.
You will also find that their team has put up a few official Linux guides too like for Fedora 35, Ubuntu 21.10, and Manjaro 21.2.1 and they said more will be added over time. For now they're suggesting Fedora 35 for the best out of the box experience.
They're currently accepting orders and pre-orders for multiple countries. The Framework Laptop starts at £999 but the DIY Edition is configurable from £749.
See more about Framework on the official site.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Chuckaluphagus Jan 21, 2022
* It may be a long time, because what I have right now runs great, even as it approaches 3 years since I purchased it.
Hopefully they'll get an AMD one out as well, that core count is sexy when you're doing development work.
slaapliedje Jan 22, 2022
I would look at this or System 76.So System76's stuff is specific for Linux. Framework is kind of an 'also runs...' BUT (and I give this as a big but), it sure seems they are very open to supporting it, and maybe selling some pre-installed. To me, if I was looking for a generic laptop to run Linux on and wasn't looking for portable gaming; I'd buy a Framework, because of the engineering! If they ever get upgradable GPUs, it'll be a mythical beast!
For now they're suggesting Fedora 35 for the best out of the box experience.
Finally a Linux laptop maker with some tastes :)
Jokes aside, it's building up to be an extremely interesting machine.
Chuckaluphagus Jan 23, 2022
I have been looking at System76 machines for a long time, too. The Framework especially appeals to me because I'll keep a laptop or computer in service for a long time, replacing and upgrading as much as I can over the years. Old Thinkpads are fantastic for that; even the newer ones are still much more serviceable than most any other laptop line on the market. But the Framework looks to be designed from the ground up around the idea.I would look at this or System 76.So System76's stuff is specific for Linux. Framework is kind of an 'also runs...' BUT (and I give this as a big but), it sure seems they are very open to supporting it, and maybe selling some pre-installed. To me, if I was looking for a generic laptop to run Linux on and wasn't looking for portable gaming; I'd buy a Framework, because of the engineering! If they ever get upgradable GPUs, it'll be a mythical beast!
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