Laptops

Framework Laptop designed for customization and repair

Framework Laptop designed for customization and repair
The Framework Laptop is designed to be customized, upgraded and repaired
The Framework Laptop is designed to be customized, upgraded and repaired
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The Framework Laptop comes with a 1080p/60-fps webcam
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The Framework Laptop comes with a 1080p/60-fps webcam
As upgrades featuring the latest tech are made available, the entire mainboard can be swapped out
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As upgrades featuring the latest tech are made available, the entire mainboard can be swapped out
Framework is looking to ship the first Laptop's in the (northern) summer of 2021
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Framework is looking to ship the first Laptop's in the (northern) summer of 2021
The Framework Laptop is designed to be customized, upgraded and repaired
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The Framework Laptop is designed to be customized, upgraded and repaired
The base model will be available with a 13.5-inch 2,256 x 1,504 resolution display
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The base model will be available with a 13.5-inch 2,256 x 1,504 resolution display
An expansion card system allows for available ports to be easily changed
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An expansion card system allows for available ports to be easily changed
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Californian startup Framework says that it was founded to provide quality products that can be customized, upgraded and repaired with ease. The company has today launched a 13.5-inch laptop aimed at ticking all of those boxes.

I remember a time not so long ago when upgrading, modifying or repairing laptops were well within the reach of computing enthusiasts. But with the arrival of thinner and more powerful portable computers came more and more difficulty in getting under the hood and tinkering, leading to a replace rather than repair mindset.

The Framework Laptop has been designed to be "upgraded, customized, and repaired in ways that no other notebook can." The basic model is (currently) built around a 13.5-inch 2,256 x 1,504 resolution display, 11th Generation Intel Core processor, up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM and 4 TB or more of Gen 4 NVMe storage.

The outer shell is made from 50 percent post-consumer recycled aluminum and is home to a low-profile keyboard with 1.5 mm of key travel, Wi-Fi 6 can be cooked in, there's a 55-Wh battery, and the 15.85-mm-thick portable incorporates a 1080p webcam capable of 60 frames per second that comes with hardware privacy switches. The company is also aiming to use an average of 30 percent post-consumer recycled plastic in the construction of the laptop.

An expansion card system allows for available ports to be easily changed
An expansion card system allows for available ports to be easily changed

The entire mainboard can be swapped out to bump up performance as new versions become available from the company, and an expansion card system allows users to select port configurations. Components like the battery, display, keyboard and more can be replaced as desired too. Components sport a QR code that will direct users to guides and listings on the Framework web store.

The 1.3-kg (2.8-lb) Framework Laptop will be available in a number of pre-configured models, all running Windows 10 Home or Pro, and there'll also be a DIY edition for those who want to dive straight into the customization pool.

As well as extending the lifespan of its products, it is hoped that this customize/repair/upgrade ethos will lead to fewer consumer tech products ending up on e-waste mountains.

The Laptop will go up for pre-order shortly, with a shipping date following some time in the (northern) summer.

Product page: Framework Laptop

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5 comments
5 comments
Walid Damouny
It would be really cool if after upgrading the board and internals, the company would make available a computer case for the old laptop internals to use it as a standalone computer. This wouldn't be expensive because the laptop board is tiny and it's fun for the DIY kind of person and can give the board some resale value.
Daishi
Who still remembers Google's Project Ara modular smartphone? A laptop seems like a more suitable format for the idea but honestly laptops are similar enough in size that having a standard physical form factor with interchangeable parts shouldn't be all that difficult to do.
Aross
Although a great idea that should be applied to all electronics the big boys will not allow this to happen. Their business model is to produce high cost, low lifespan, throwaway products. They take no responsibility for disposal thus maximizing profit.
wolf0579
FINALLY! A laptop that the user will (hopefully) be able to clean dust and debris from the heat exchangers!

Anything that has a cooling fan should be able to be opened and cleaned out without voiding the warranty.
TomLeeM
I think that is a neat idea. I hope it fairs better than the modular cell phone.