Raymond Wong

Design

Almost everything on the Framework Laptop is modular or replaceable

Virtually every component from the ports, display, CPU, keyboard, and bezels are either modular or customizable. The Framework Laptop could be the ultimate laptop we've all been waiting for.

At first glance, the Framework Laptop looks like a MacBook Pro clone. Apple's signature silver chassis, black chiclet keyboard, and massive trackpad are all there. Closer inspection shows the Framework is actually quite different.

Created by the company of the same name, the Framework Laptop is billed as a Windows 10 laptop that "can be upgraded, customized, and repaired in ways that no other notebook can."

The unique laptop uses an "Expansion Card" system to allow hot-swapping different units for customization.

4

The number expansion bays.

The idea is to let you customize the ports to your personal liking. Need an HDMI port? Swap in the respective module. Need four USB-C ports for a particular project? Switch all the modules out for them.

Framework's announced the following port modules with plans to add more in the future:

• USB-C

• USB-A

• HDMI

• DisplayPort

• MicroSD

• Ultra-fast storage

• High-end headphone amp

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There's more!

Framework says the logicboard with integrated CPU can also be swapped out. Think of it like a laptop version of the Intel Compute Unit in the Intel NUC 9 Extreme, where you can swap in a new module with a newer CPU.

The battery, display, screen bezels, and keyboard are also replaceable for easy repair.

If this modular laptop sounds familiar, you're probably thinking about Phonebloks or Google's scrapped Project Ara. They were both explorations at making a modular phone with components users could swap.

Modular designs give users more control over how they want their hardware configurations and could help reduce e-waste. Instead of replacing a broken or slow laptop with a new one, you'd in theory only need to buy a new module, which would also cost less.

Key specs:

• 13.5-inch display (2,256 x 1,504)

• 11th-gen Intel Core CPUs

• Up to 4TB of Gen4 NVMe storage

• Up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM

• 1080p 60 fps webcam with physical privacy cover

• 57Wh battery

• Wi-Fi 6E

2.86lbs

The weight of the Framework Laptop.

The Framework Laptop is an ambitious device. Sustainability is more important than ever and every bit to help reduce e-waste helps our Earth. But we've got concerns about durability. Framework has yet to announce pricing, too.

Framework says they're targeting a "summer 2021" release. You better believe we'll be first in line to check it out.

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