Feb 26, 2021 20:00:00

Introducing 'Framework Laptop', a module-replaceable notebook PC that allows easy replacement and repair of parts

The Framework , a hardware startup founded with the mission of 'extending the life of home appliances as much as possible and reducing industrial waste,' was designed to 'last long without sacrificing performance, quality and style.' The era of home appliances has arrived, 'and announced the ' Framework Laptop, 'a notebook PC that makes it easy to replace or repair some parts.

Framework Marketplace | Introducing the Framework Laptop
https://frame.work/blog/introducing-the-framework-laptop

Framework startup designed a thin, modular, repairable 13-inch laptop | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/02/framework-startup-designed-a-thin-modular-repairable-13-inch-laptop/

The 'Framework Laptop' is a 'thin, lightweight, high-performance 13.5-inch laptop' that allows you to upgrade, customize, and repair parts in ways that other laptops can't. The housing uses a precision milled aluminum housing with a thickness of 15.85 mm and a weight of 1.3 kg. It looks stylish like a MacBook. OS adopts Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro. In addition, Framework Laptop DIY Edition will be available for gadget lovers, and it will be possible to install Linux and Linux distributions in addition to Windows.

The display size is 13.5 inches, the aspect ratio is 3: 2, and the resolution is 2256 x 1504 pixels. A webcam compatible with 1080p / 60fps is mounted on the upper part of the display, and the battery capacity is 55Wh. The keyboard is said to have a 1.5mm stroke and is finished in a 'good keystroke feeling'.

In addition, it supports Wi-Fi 6E , the memory (RAM) is up to 64GB DDR4 memory, the storage (ROM) is NVMe Gen4 SSD or higher, and the CPU uses the 11th generation Intel Core processor .

In addition, we have adopted an 'expansion card system' that allows you to place the necessary external connection ports on any side of the Framework Laptop, USB-C / USB-A / HDMI / DisplayPort / MicroSD card slot / high-end. You can select up to four connection terminals you like, such as a headphone amplifier, and place them on the side of the notebook PC.

The expansion card system is a square card type module as shown below.

You can check how to actually replace the expansion card system with a GIF image by clicking the image below. You can change the port type as if you were inserting or removing an SD card.

Not only socket storage, Wi-Fi and memory, but also the main board itself can be replaced. In other words, when a new generation CPU appears, you can replace the entire CPU with a new one. In other words, if you upgrade the dedicated parts, the Framework Laptop itself can be used longer than a normal notebook PC.

The chassis of the Framework Laptop is designed to be easily opened with a single screwdriver.

In addition, frequently used parts such as batteries, displays, and keyboards are magnetically attached and can be easily replaced at any time. In addition, each item has a barcode, which you can read to check the manual via the web or access the replacement parts page of the official web store.

Ars Technica, an overseas media, said about Framework Laptop, 'Notebook PCs in recent years have become very slim and lightweight, but due to that, the range of repairability and configuration is narrow. On the other hand, Framework Laptop is in the past. It is about to appear in modern times as a notebook PC that is easier to repair and has a wider range of configurations. '' It has specifications that are equal to or slightly better than Dell's XPS 13 series. It is 0.1 kg heavier than XPS 13 and 1.1 mm. It gets thicker, but I don't think it's a big deal for most people. '

In addition, partner companies will be able to sell modules compatible with Framework Laptop on a dedicated store, and the ecosystem will be expanded.

The Framework Laptop is scheduled to ship in the summer of 2021, although other specifications, pricing, pre-order timing, etc. have not been disclosed.