Framework’s Modular And Upgradeable Whitebox Laptop
Intel’s Mobile CPUs are BGA … So No, Not That Part
As of today you can preorder a modular laptop from Framework, with a $100 fully refundable deposit. It is hard to say how effective the overall design of this modular and upgradeable whitebox laptop is without a review model in hand but the idea itself is certainly interesting. The prices range from $750 to $2000 depending on what you want included in your laptop, which does put it in the same price category as a fully configured laptop from an OEM.
Framework lets you choose between three different Intel Tiger Lake processors, with almost other component in the laptop being optional. You can choose to not have an SSD or memory included, if you intend to use your own, or have it arrive with up to 64GB of DDR4-3200 and your choice of a WD BLACK SN850 or SN750 in a size of your choosing. The same goes for WiFi and power, you can skip it or grab a USB-C power connector and Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 WiFi.
The screen on this 13.5″ laptop has a 2256×1504 resolution with 100% sRGB color gamut, and >400 nit brightness, powered by the Xe chip on your processor. The other modular portion of Framework’s whitebox laptop is the connectivity, with up to four modules fitting in the chassis. You can pop in USB-C or Type-A, a second SSD, HDMI, or DisplayPort, in a combination and location of your choice. They are working on additional modules including things from high-end headphone amps to Arduino-compatible microcontrollers.
Is this something that piques your interest, or more of a design that just more complexity to the laptop than it does usability?
There are three basic configurations -- Base, Performance and Professional, ranging from $999 to $1,999, upgrading from an Intel Core i5, 8GB of Ram and 256GB of storage to a Core i7 and 32GB/1TB. Windows also gets upgraded from Home to Pro at the top level. At $749, the company offers a barebones shell, where users can plug in their own internals.
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I’m imagining this laptop reverting back to “modular” components every time its moved or mishandled in even the most slightest of ways. Kinda like so many of my Lego creations when I was 12….
This is very impressive. I hope they are successful and then offer a larger size as well. I need a 15.6″ or preferably a 17″. The current size my wife will like. I already signed up for their news letter.