In San Francisco, Framework, the pioneering company in the truly modular laptop niche, announced a long list of new products and updates to its product portfolio.
Before we get into the details of the all-new Laptop 16, which has an expansion bay for GPUs and an input module bay for hot-swapping the keyboard and numeric keypad, let’s take a look at take a closer look at the improvements made to the existing product line.
Laptop 13 receives important updates
If you’ve been hesitant to take the modular plunge due to the lack of an AMD CPU option, your frustration is almost over. Starting today, you can pre-order a laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7040 processor. Adding an AMD processor was one of Framework’s most requested features. In fact, if you already own a Laptop 13 with an Intel processor, you can upgrade to the AMD motherboard provided you have or upgrade to DDR5 memory and a compatible Wi-Fi card.
Framework also announced an Intel 13 option and motherboarde generation for the Laptop 13 in i5 and i7 configurations.
The new processors aren’t the only improvements made to the Laptop 13. Framework has taken feedback from reviewers and users and improved battery life by using a new 61Wh battery which results in an increased 20-30% battery life. There’s also a new matte display option (shown below), more powerful speakers (specific to the Intel version), and new stiffer hinges.
Framework laptop.
You can order one of the new kits today. The Intel version of Laptop 13 will begin shipping in May, and the AMD version of Laptop 13 will begin shipping in Q3. Standalone motherboard upgrades will begin shipping at the same time.
Framework is also expanding the list of countries in which its products are available, adding Belgium, Italy, Spain and Taiwan. Pre-orders in these countries will begin this summer.
A new way to reuse an old motherboard
Long-time Framework users who choose to upgrade their motherboard as new boards with faster processors are announced are faced with the question of what to do with their old component. .
Framework already offers 3D printed designs for enclosures and other accessories for motherboard reuse, but soon you will be able to purchase an official motherboard enclosure made by Cooler Master.
The case effectively turns the motherboard into a laptop, but without a screen or battery. However, Framework has now released documentation that details its display and battery modules, allowing accessory makers and DIY enthusiasts to turn the motherboard into something of a miniature PC.
The case will cost $39 and will launch in the spring.
Framework thinks big with the Laptop 16
In addition to all of these modest upgrades to Framework’s current hardware lineup, the company also spent some time showcasing the Laptop 16, a bigger and more powerful laptop that’s slated to launch by the end of the year. 2023. Pre-orders should start in the spring.
As its name suggests, the Laptop 16 will have a 16-inch screen and will feature the same modularity and expandability features as the Laptop 13.
But the Laptop 16 isn’t just a larger laptop option for Framework customers. With Laptop 16, Framework is also launching a new expansion bay and input module system.
The Expansion Bay allows for the insertion of a graphics module to convert the Laptop 16 from a daily use configuration to a gaming laptop, or a laptop for creatives – anything that requires a more powerful GPU than what is included with the laptop’s CPU. Or if you don’t want better graphics, you can swap out a card to add more M.2 SSD storage, for example.
Framework also showed off a prototype external GPU bay that uses an Expansion Bay GPU card as the eGPU, along with either of the Framework laptop models.
The input module allows you to hot-swap the keyboard and numeric keypad directly on the laptop tray. It also lets you decide if you prefer a centered or off-centered keyboard, or even add an LED matrix or slider to your Laptop 16.
Today’s announcement was just a preview of the Laptop 16. Framework isn’t yet talking about specs, performance, or price, which is disappointing, but totally understandable. Pre-orders for the Laptop 16 will begin this summer, with shipments expected by the end of the year.
Source: ZDNet.com