4
Framework’s modular and scalable laptop just made its debut in the lab. This is an opportunity for us to detail the options available and to offer you a step-by-step assembly of the DIY version.
The Framework laptop is finally available in France on the manufacturer’s online store. Deliveries are made in waves, you have to pre-order your model and wait about a month before receiving it.
As a reminder, the Framework laptop is not only a modular model for which we choose the connectors or the components. The manufacturer pushes the concept even further since it is possible to obtain, after the purchase of the device, almost any element of the laptop, from the jack to the motherboard, passing through the speakers. speakers.
A commitment made loud and clear by Framework which allows it to score 9.7/10 on the repairability index set up by the Ministry of Ecological Transition. And if this computer does not get 10/10, it is because the manufacturer has been cautious about the supply time for spare parts in this pandemic period.
The configuration
When purchasing, you have two options: the DIY edition from €899 or the ready-to-use version from €1,199.
The DIY option implies that you assemble all the components yourself. For $899, you’ll get no storage, RAM, Windows license, or power adapter. You will also have to pay an additional €10 per USB or USB-C port to occupy the four expansion slots available. So for 939 €, you have a complete chassis with its screen, the motherboard with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, a 6E wifi card and a keyboard. It’s up to you to add the missing components listed above, or to order them at the same time as your Framework. The prices are more or less interesting, but if you need a complete PC, we advise you to opt for the all-inclusive version which will cost less.
The all-inclusive option is like buying a ready-to-use laptop. Three configurations are offered: Core i5, 8 GB and 256 GB SSD (€1,149); Core i7, 16 GB and 512 GB SSD (€1,599); Core i7 vPro, 32 GB and 1 TB SSD (€2,279). It’s up to you to choose the connection you want, an additional cost of €10 applies depending on the ports chosen; but in any case, the Windows license and the 60W USB-C charger are included.
Place for assembly
We received the DIY edition at the lab with a Core i7-1185G7 processor, 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD.
The assembly begins with the installation of the connectors. To do this, simply slide the cards into their respective slots: USB, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, microSD card reader or storage extension. The internal connection being provided by ThunderBolt 4, it is possible to recharge the laptop, to connect a screen or a Thunderbolt hub via the USB-C ports.
Installing the SSD and RAM requires opening the computer. Unlike most laptops, access to components is on the keyboard side, held here by five Torx screws. The screwdriver provided by Framework makes it possible to carry out the task without problem. No need to remove the screws, they remain attached to the shell. You then have to lift the magnetic keyboard to the shell, then remove the single sheet that connects it to the motherboard.
Installing the memory or the SSD does not pose any particular concern. The 6E wifi card is already in place, all you have to do is reconnect the keyboard and close the Framework to install the operating system of your choice using a bootable USB key.
The Laptop Framework is just waiting for its operating system. © The Digital
We look forward to seeing you in a few days to discover the full test of the Laptop Framework. Chassis finish, performance, autonomy and screen quality will be scrutinized to see if, in addition to being modular, this model is also a good laptop.