Framework Computer Inc have done it again! They've announced multiple big exciting things for their modular laptops today. Here's what's coming.
If you've not heard of them before, you're going to want to keep a close eye on what they're doing. Giving you a laptop that you can build and upgrade yourself, along with pre-built options and good Linux support too. They even send hardware to Linux distribution developers to make sure they get hooked up nicely.
Firstly, they announced today they're upgrading to 13th Gen Intel (i5-1340P / i7-1360P or i7-1370P) and now including an AMD Ryzen (7040 series 5 / 7) option for their 13 inch model. They're also releasing an upgraded battery from 55Wh to 61Wh that's compatible with the previous models. There's a new Matte screen, improved hinges, a more powerful speaker (taken from their Chromebook model) and it will be more customizable than ever with you being able to change the frame around the screen.
Even more exciting is their entirely new 16 inch model, which has more expansion slots for the various modules available to slide into it. The special bit about this model: it has a whole new expansion bay that supports a modular GPU (amongst other things). That's right, finally a proper customizable laptop where you can slot in a new GPU easily.
In the shots above, the first is without the expansion, the second with it. As you can see, it gets a bit of a bigger bottom, so a more powerful GPU might extend a fair bit. They designed it this way so it's easier to replace, since it's not buried deep inside, and to allow for more space for future GPUs. They've designed the expansion modules much like the motherboard, so these expansion bay modules can be used in their own case outside the laptop for other things, including turning it into an eGPU enclosure to use on another laptop (like the newer Framework 13).
This larger 16 inch Framework is also even more customizable, since the whole input deck (the keyboard area) can be customized too. You could put in a numpad, have an RGB keyboard, another small display and so on.
Framework are also expanding shipping into Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Taiwan later this year.
Finally, they teamed up with Cooler Master to produce a transparent case for the Framework 13 Mainboard, so you can easily turn it into a standalone system.
The live event, which really didn't have great audio and video quality, was overall fun to watch. Lots of love for Linux from Framework, with plenty of what they're doing open source for developers to work with and create things for.
See more on their website.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
TBH, the only thing I'd missing from my current thinkpad is a trackpoint. I know the 13 formfactor had limitations in that regard that prevented any viable solutions for that, but I'm hoping that the new form factor can accommodate it.
no_information_here Mar 24, 2023
The price seems reasonably competitive for what you get.
Those images show two different laptops, unless the keyboard and trackpad are also modular and have been switched in the photos.
This larger 16 inch Framework is also even more customizable, since the whole input deck (the keyboard area) can be customized too. You could put in a numpad, have an RGB keyboard, another small display and so on.
Those images show two different laptops, unless the keyboard and trackpad are also modular and have been switched in the photos.
This larger 16 inch Framework is also even more customizable, since the whole input deck (the keyboard area) can be customized too. You could put in a numpad, have an RGB keyboard, another small display and so on.
Yep, I'm an idiot.
Patreon
PayPal
See more from me