Framework massively expanded its lineup of repairable laptops at an occasion in San Francisco right this moment, updating its present Framework Laptop computer to thirteenth Gen Core Intel, including an AMD Ryzen possibility with 7040 collection chips, and previewed a brand new 16-inch laptop computer with modular devoted graphics.
Framework Laptop computer 16
The Framework Laptop computer 16 solely obtained a preview on the occasion, however it made the most important splash, with much more customization choices and repairable options than the present 13-inch laptop computer. Past the present enlargement playing cards, there are two new programs that Framework is taking part in with: “Enter Modules” and the “Enlargement Bay” (all these enlargement programs are going to get very complicated in a short time!). For me, the Enlargement Bay is probably the most thrilling replace. That is Framework’s try so as to add upgradeable graphics to a laptop computer. (Framework states that that is delivering on a dream that many have given up on,” which appears like a shot at Dell, which was sued over restricted upgradeability on the Alienware Space-51m).
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Framework hasn’t mentioned who it is partnering with on graphics, however we all know that the graphics modules will embrace followers and join over a PCIe x8 interface (Framework tells me the interface ought to assist PCIe 4.0 “at a minimal”) behind the laptop computer that Framework will open supply, and that these modules can permit the laptop computer to develop to accommodate thermal and mechanical wants. You will not must open the pocket book to get the GPU out. Framework says it is engaged on different non-graphics-focused Enlargement Bay playing cards, like a twin M.2 SSD card that may add 16TB of storage for many who can get by on built-in graphics. Notably, Framework appears to be pretty deliberate in not calling this a gaming laptop computer or a workstation, however somewhat pushing it as assembly no matter wants you need to use it for.
The Framework Laptop computer 16 can be getting a brand new “enter module” system, which helps you to scorching swap between configurations of touchpads, keyboard and numpads. They arrive in numerous sizes (small and medium for numpads, massive for keyboards), so you’ll be able to customise what facets you need in your keyboard deck. Framework says that it’s engaged on keyboards in lots of languages and with RGB backlighting, and that “along with numpads, secondary shows and macro pads are workable.” Lots of the enter modules use the open supply QMK firmware working on a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. You possibly can nonetheless use the identical Enlargement Card system from the Framework Laptop computer 13. With the larger laptop computer, you need to use three ports on either side, somewhat than two per aspect on the smaller pocket book.
We do not but know the worth or specs for the Framework Laptop computer 16 — these will come when pre-orders open later this spring — however the considerably elevated variety of swappable elements has me cautiously optimistic. The laptops are set to ship in “late 2023,” however Framework is open sourcing design documentation to let others get began on making their very own modules.
Framework Laptop computer 13 – Intel and AMD
The common Framework Laptop computer is now referred to as the Framework Laptop computer 13. Intel is updating it to thirteenth Gen Intel Core P-series processors or, for the primary time, AMD Ryzen 7040 collection chips. (Current Framework laptop computer house owners may even purchase new mainboards with these chips to put in into their present Framework Laptops).
The thirteenth Gen Core lineup consists of the Core i5-1350P, Core i7-1360P and Core i7-1370P with vPro, all utilizing DDR4-3200 RAM and a louder 80 decibel speaker package that was first seen in final 12 months’s Framework Chromebook. The Core i5 will keep on with the 55 WHr battery, whereas the i7 fashions are set to make use of a bigger 61 WHr cell. Each the AMD Ryzen kits will use the present speaker package, however provide quicker DDR5-5600 RAM. The Ryzen 7 mannequin will get the larger battery. All the new laptops have a brand new matte show (with the identical decision and efficiency) and new upgraded hinges designed to be simpler to open. (The brand new batteries and shows shall be purchasable on the Framework Market to be used with present laptops.)
There shall be port variations between Intel and AMD. Whereas they will use all the identical modules, the Intel model has 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the Ryzen choices could have two USB 4 ports, one USB 3.2 port with DisplayPort, and one single USB 3.2 port, so they don’t seem to be all functionally the identical.
Framework has already had a number of bezel choices, however you had to purchase them individually. The corporate now says that it’s engaged on new bezel colours and that you can decide the bezel and keyboard colours on the DIY version if you order later this 12 months. These new Framework Laptops can be found for pre-order right this moment with a $100 deposit and are set to ship in Might. Prebuilt choices will begin at $1,049 with Home windows 11 preinstalled, whereas a DIY Version will launch at $849 so you’ll be able to add your individual RAM, storage and OS. That is a slight enhance over earlier DIY editions, which I am instructed is because of the price of supplies. Framework says the Fedora 38 and Ubuntu 22.04 shall be absolutely supported on each the brand new Intel and AMD choices, with additional testing for Manjaro and Mint in progress.
Cooler Grasp Case
We have seen loads of initiatives utilizing Framework Laptop computer mainboards exterior of clamshell designs, and Framework already has a case you’ll be able to 3D print. Within the spring, Cooler Grasp goes to launch the Mainboard Case, a $39 chassis designed to show the laptop computer mainboards into desktops if you improve the PC.