Framework Demonstrates Laptop 16 Customization and Expansion Modules at CES 2024

[AleksandarK]

Modularity takes center stage in Framework's latest laptop innovation—the Laptop 16—showcased at their CES 2024 booth. The TechPowerUp team was there to look at the modules that the company showed. As a bigger brother to their popular Laptop 13, the 16-inch model amps up the modularity with new expansion systems for unrivaled customizability. The showstopper is the laptop's graphics modularity, realizing the long-sought dream of upgradeable discrete GPUs in a laptop. Gamers and creators can swap graphics modules to keep up with the latest technology. The laptop also introduces a modular keyboard deck with interchangeable parts for full input flexibility. Framework's expansive modularity translates to sustainability. Components can be reused, reducing e-waste. The company is open-sourcing designs and engaging partners to participate in the ecosystem.

Starting at $1399 for the DIY edition, the choice is either AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS or Ryzen 9 7940HS CPUs, along with Radeon RX 7700S graphics configured at 100 Watt TGP. A variety of modules and various keyboard positions can be seen in the pictures below, including the configuration with LED matrix spacer, color shifting spacer, different color screen bezels, and much more. Additional modules like SD Card expansion module are coming soon as well.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[mtosev]

I really like the DIY concept of framework laptops.

 

[Nostras]

Still waiting for a 14' variant.

 

[axiomatic_345]

Framework really need to ship stuff. They are in 16th batch of 16inch Laptop, but not a single review of 16 inch Laptop is available on the planet. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Framework and has been rooting for them, but I am tired of their trickle down blog posts and nothing to show for. Asus will soon be shipping 8000 series Ryzen Laptops and we are yet to see a single framework 16inch unit in the wild with full review. They are trying to be Tesla of Laptop I guess but problem is - Tesla had no competition but Framework has plenty.

 

[MagicBoy]

Framework really need to ship stuff. They are in 16th batch of 16inch Laptop, but not a single review of 16 inch Laptop is available on the planet. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of Framework and has been rooting for them, but I am tired of their trickle down blog posts and nothing to show for. Asus will soon be shipping 8000 series Ryzen Laptops and we are yet to see a single framework 16inch unit in the wild with full review. They are trying to be Tesla of Laptop I guess but problem is - Tesla had no competition but Framework has plenty.

If you'd ordered one, you'd be getting regular detailed progress updates via email as regards shipment timing.

 

[axiomatic_345]

> If you'd ordered one, you'd be getting regular detailed progress updates via email as regards shipment timing.

I know there are folks, who are willing to take a chance and order a Laptop without any third party reviews, but I am not one of them. I just don't understand, how framework has sold out 15 batches of 16inch Laptops and haven't managed to produce a single Laptop that can be reviewed by an independent reviewer. At this point, we know nothing about performance or battery usage of their 16 inch models. It requires a huge leap of faith and long wait for something that most folks need now, rather than 6 month later. Laptops are not cars.

 

[Zareek]

I know there are folks, who are willing to take a chance and order a Laptop without any third party reviews, but I am not one of them.

I totally agree, especially when it's going to cost $1000 for more than what the competition offers for the same specs.

 

[MagicBoy]

> If you'd ordered one, you'd be getting regular detailed progress updates via email as regards shipment timing.

I know there are folks, who are willing to take a chance and order a Laptop without any third party reviews, but I am not one of them. I just don't understand, how framework has sold out 15 batches of 16inch Laptops and haven't managed to produce a single Laptop that can be reviewed by an independent reviewer. At this point, we know nothing about performance or battery usage of their 16 inch models. It requires a huge leap of faith and long wait for something that most folks need now, rather than 6 month later. Laptops are not cars.

Soon

I have taken the risk, so I'm getting the emails. First batch would have shipped in December were it not for a last minute glitch at a third party supplier, then end of year stock takes getting in the way. I'm sure reviews will be out within a couple of weeks.

You're welcome.

 

[remixedcat]

wating so long for something that pricey would have my anxiety thru the roof! Dell announced something like this project luna and mabye they will make everyone go faster at doing this and set a new norm for all laptops to be like framework! I hope so cuz ewaste is getting to be more and more of a problem!

 

[_JP_]

E-waste is already a problem because the grand majority of electronics are designed not only last a few years, but also be impossible to repair or upgrade to keep being viable with contemporary software (which itself needs a check regarding longevity and efficiency).
Heck, even enthusiasts that keep their e-peen of old on display are doing a better job at environmentalism, than most that now buy gaming laptops because they consume less power.

Having said this, even though it's an investment that many people cannot do, for a laptop (and I get it, in this economy), this follows the same logic as the Fairphone or the Shift. It's going to keep going for at least 10 years. Your ROI is great, if you can pull the trigger.
In my case, I'm just waiting for the PT layout for the keyboard to get it. Stickers over the European ISO layouts trigger the OCD in me, so I'll avoid them.
Also awesome would be if the patents for the original IBM ThinkPad keyboard expire, allowing them to launch 1:1 replicas of them on these laptops or us to just use the old ones with the connector. Even if the TrackPoint has to be sacrificed, for being a Lenovo propriety.

(Heck, even my old Satellite A300 is not too shabby at Windows 10, having been upgraded within its ability, well exceeding its predicted lifetime. It now has 15 years and will be returning to an offline Windows 7/Vista retro machine by the time it has 17 years of service, when Windows 10 goes out of support, in 2025)