Repairability champ Framework's modular laptop gets a speed boost
- Reference: 1653059230
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2022/05/20/framework_modular_laptop_gets_a/
- Source link:
Modern laptops tend to be promoted on the basis of thinness and lightness, and the Framework [1]range is no different. The machines have 13.5-inch (8.89cm) screens, are just under 16mm thick (0.6 inch), and weigh 1.3kg (2lb 14oz).
The new [2]models have faster 12th-generation Intel Core CPUs.
[3]
These aren't gaming machines, and the company doesn't yet offer any models with discrete GPUs, so some customers will welcome the extra performance.
[4]
[5]
The difference is twofold, and comprises Framework's main selling points: modularity and repairability. Unlike most other thin and light laptops, with glued-together cases made mainly of plastic, the Framework machines have a metal case and are designed to allow owners to disassemble, repair or upgrade them. The company even [6]documents the process.
Uniquely, Framework owners will be able to buy one of the new motherboards and fit it to their existing laptop… and even sell on the old main board.
[7]
As well as being built from user-exchangeable components, the machines have four modular ports, into which slot adapters that allow you to choose between USB A or C, HDMI, DisplayPort, a microSD card slot, or additional storage – and soon Gigabit Ethernet. It has received a 10/10 score on [8]iFixit .
Framework also [9]sells the parts separately. This has facilitated third-party devices based around Framework components, such as the [10]Mainboard retro-style terminal, and The Reg FOSS desk's favourite, the [11]Framedeck all-in-one portable, which is quite close to [12]one sort of device we've wanted for years .
[13]Marvell CXL roadmap goes all-in on composable infrastructure
[14]John Deere tractors 'bricked' after Russia steals machinery from Ukraine
[15]Apple must fix its self-service repair program, say critics
[16]Google to sell replacement Pixel phone parts via iFixit
The new models start at $1,000+.
Now, lest this sound too much like an unpaid ad, this is not the sort of laptop that your correspondent favors. I have had a very brief play on a Framework machine, and while it's a nice bit of kit, I prefer something [17]chunkier, with more keyboard travel .
The best summary of what many of us look for in a laptop comes from Tumblr user [18]Canadiangold :
[19]
"I don't WANT my laptop to be the Thinnest Model Yet. I want a battery that will outlast the Sun, a screen big enough to blind the person behind me, more USB slots than there are Apple fanboys in the Bay Area, a fscking disc reader/writer."
Perhaps this could be the brief for a future Framework model. ®
Get our [20]Tech Resources
[1] https://frame.work/marketplace/laptops
[2] https://frame.work/gb/en/blog/introducing-the-new-and-upgraded-framework-laptop
[3] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2Yoe7INHTGBFc@buKP-itEwAAAMU&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0
[4] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44Yoe7INHTGBFc@buKP-itEwAAAMU&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[5] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33Yoe7INHTGBFc@buKP-itEwAAAMU&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[6] https://frame.work/gb/en/support
[7] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44Yoe7INHTGBFc@buKP-itEwAAAMU&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[8] https://www.ifixit.com/News/51614/framework-laptop-teardown-10-10-but-is-it-perfect
[9] https://frame.work/gb/en/marketplace
[10] https://github.com/penk/MainboardTerminal
[11] https://github.com/brickbots/framedeck
[12] https://www.theregister.com/2011/11/10/portable_writing_tool/
[13] https://www.theregister.com/2022/05/18/marvell_cxl_composable/
[14] https://www.theregister.com/2022/05/02/ukrainian_tractors_deere/
[15] https://www.theregister.com/2022/04/28/apple_selfservice_slammed/
[16] https://www.theregister.com/2022/04/08/google_pixel_repair/
[17] https://www.theregister.com/2021/11/26/thinkpad_motherboard_mod/
[18] https://canadiangold.tumblr.com/post/675666527469568000/i-dont-want-my-laptop-to-be-the-thinnest-model
[19] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_onprem/personaltech&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=3&c=33Yoe7INHTGBFc@buKP-itEwAAAMU&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D3%26raptor%3Deagle%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0
[20] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
Framework owner
I am an owner of a Framework, and have been very, very happy with it.
First, a story: I had a battery drain issue where the main and coin batteries ended up fully drained due to leaving it in sleep for too long without plugging it in (this represents a negative, in and of itself). However, the fix was fully documented on the site and - aside from charging time - was fixed with 10 minutes of effort after 5 minutes of reading the forums. For many modern laptops, a battery issue means a service visit. To me, that you-can-do-it mentality is a big part of the appeal.
Now, a bit of tea leaf reading. I don't think Framework really intends these devices for tinkerers and developers. I know there's a lot of uptake in that community, but they're not the target. I truly think Framework sees these as "technology worker" or office PCs. They aren't specced very high, but more than capable of office work, are easy to maintain, and can fill many niches due to the swappable ports. That swapping also means less dongles, so it's more portable. Also, let's face it, the general office PC represents a bigger market than enthusiasts.
These feel like very accessible PoC devices to give to the managers, support staff, and even your parents. They're easy to fix, eminently configurable, and have just enough power to service most users. Depending on their success, I think you'll see new SKUs come out with GPUs, different keyboards, and narrower niches. These two generations represent the base, and they'll release mods that build off that for people like devs and designers and such.
I'll Be!
While I'm no Intel fan, I'll head over for a look!