https://www.tomshardware.com/news/framework-laptop-13-16-amd-ryzen
'The Framework Laptop 16 only got a preview at the event, but it made the
biggest splash, with far more customization options and repairable features
than the existing 13-inch laptop. Beyond the existing expansion cards, there
are two new systems that Framework is playing with: "Input Modules" and the
"Expansion Bay" (all these expansion systems are going to get very confusing
very quickly!). For me, the Expansion Bay is the most exciting update. This is
Framework's attempt to add upgradeable graphics to a laptop. (Framework states
that this is delivering on a dream that many have given up on," which feels
like a shot at Dell, which was sued over limited upgradeability on the
Alienware Area-51m).
Framework hasn't said who it's partnering with on graphics, but we know that
the graphics modules will include fans and connect over a PCIe x8 interface
(Framework tells me the interface should support PCIe 4.0 "at a minimum") at
the back of the laptop that Framework will open source, and that these modules
can allow the laptop to expand to accommodate thermal and mechanical needs. You
won't have to open the notebook to get the GPU out. Framework says it's working
on other non-graphics-focused Expansion Bay cards, like a dual M.2 SSD card
that can add 16TB of storage for those who can get by on integrated graphics.
Notably, Framework seems to be fairly deliberate in not calling this a gaming
laptop or a workstation, but rather pushing it as meeting whatever needs you
want to use it for.
The Framework Laptop 16 is also getting a new "input module" system, which lets
you hot swap between configurations of touchpads, keyboard and numpads. They
come in different sizes (small and medium for numpads, large for keyboards), so
you can customize what aspects you want on your keyboard deck. Framework says
that it is working on keyboards in many languages and with RGB backlighting,
and that "in addition to numpads, secondary displays and macro pads are
workable." Many of the input modules use the open source QMK firmware running
on a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. You can still use the same Expansion
Card system from the Framework Laptop 13. With the bigger laptop, you can use
three ports on each side, rather than two per side on the smaller notebook.'
These just keep getting better.
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
