Game Changing New 2024 Laptop Design - Framework 16 - Teardown And Repair Assessment

Summary

The Framework 16 is a new modular and upgradeable laptop with replaceable GPU, RAM, SSD, WiFi, speakers, display, and battery. It builds on the Framework 13 with more modularity and upgrade options. The laptop can be fully customized and comes with screwdrivers for easy repair. It aims to be sustainable and repairable, unlike competitors. Overall, it's designed for customization, upgrading, and longevity thanks to its modular components, open standard ports, and publicly available repair guides.

Takeaways

• 😊 The Framework 16 is the new, upgradeable laptop from Framework that builds on their previous repairable models
• 👨‍🔧 It features user-replaceable parts like ports, RAM, SSD, WiFi card, speakers, display, battery, and even GPU
• 🛠 Comes with screwdriver and spudger to assist with self-repairs and upgrades
• 🔌 Has 6 interchangeable ports that use a standard so anyone can develop compatible modules
• 🚦 Top case components like keyboard secure with magnets and are completely customizable
• 🖥 Modular GPU can be added or removed easily to enable graphics upgrades
• 🔋 85W battery designed for easy replacement with standard screws
• 👍 Very repairable construction with labeled and captive screws throughout
• 🔬 Entire device focused on customization, upgrading, repairs and sustainability
• 😃 Sets a strong example that other manufacturers should follow for repairability

Q & A

What company manufactures the Framework laptops?

Framework manufactures the Framework laptops. They are a small tech company focused on creating sustainable and modular laptops.

What makes the Framework laptops different from other laptops?

The Framework laptops are designed to be upgraded, repaired, and highly modular. Components like the ports, RAM, SSD, WiFi card, and even GPU can be replaced by the user. This makes them much more repairable than traditional laptops.

What are some of the modular components of the Framework 16 laptop?

The Framework 16 has a modular top case, keyboard, trackpad, ports, and GPU. The top case modules include macro boards, colored spaces, and LED matrix displays.

How does the GPU upgrading process work?

The GPU module can be upgraded by removing 6 screws and sliding out the old module. A new GPU module can then be installed, using a new interconnect cable matched to the module.

What software does Framework provide for the laptops?

The laptops support Windows, Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora, and Framework provides drivers, manuals, repair guides, and control software for the LED matrices.

What are some benefits of the Framework laptop's design?

The modular and repairable design allows the laptop to be upgraded over time and extend its usable lifespan. Components can be replaced if they fail, rather than replacing the whole laptop.

How does Framework facilitate repairs and upgrades?

Framework provides repair manuals, spare parts, and QR codes linking to guides. The components have numbered screws and are easy to access. Third parties can also create compatible modules.

What are some limitations of the Framework laptops?

The keyboard quality is cited as an area for improvement. The LED matrix software is currently buggy. The modularity may add some thickness and weight compared to traditional laptops.

Who is the target audience for these laptops?

The Framework laptops appeal to tech enthusiasts who want control over upgrades, environmentalists focused on sustainability, and anyone who wants to keep their laptop longer versus replacing it.

How does Framework compare to other major laptop manufacturers?

Framework is much more focused on modularity and repair than brands like Apple or Dell. Those companies make laptops difficult to repair and Upgrade, while Framework embraces DIY and customization.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to the Framework 16 laptop

The first paragraph introduces the Framework 16 laptop as the new, bigger brother to the Framework 13 laptop released last year. It highlights the impressive repair and upgradeability features of the Framework 16, including user-replaceable ports, RAM, SSD, WiFi card, display, battery, and even GPU. The laptop was provided by Framework for this video review, along with some Framework merch.

05:01

😊 Overview of the Framework 16 hardware and software

The second paragraph provides an overview of the Framework 16 hardware and software. It describes the specific configuration reviewed, including AMD Ryzen processor, Radeon graphics, 16GB RAM, and Windows 11 OS. It also covers the modular and customizable components like the top case with removable keyboard, trackpad, and LED panels. The replaceable GPU module and easy access to internals for upgrading are also discussed.

Keywords

💡modular

The video emphasizes how the Framework laptop is highly modular and customizable, with components like the ports, RAM, SSD, etc. being removable and replaceable. This modularity makes it easy to repair and upgrade the laptop. The script mentions the laptop's 'modular top case', 'modular GPU', and generally describes it as 'even more modular' than the previous Framework model.

💡upgradeable

Along with being modular, the video praises how upgradeable the Framework laptop is, allowing components like the RAM, SSD, WiFi card, and even GPU to be upgraded after purchase. The script highlights unique upgrades like the user-replaceable GPU, describing the laptop as 'even more upgradeable' than the previous version.

💡repairable

A core message of the video is that the Framework laptop is highly repairable, in contrast to other major manufacturers' devices. The script notes its 'repair manuals and spare parts available from day one' and open, non-proprietary design that enables repairs.

💡customizable

Thanks to its modular design, the Framework laptop is highly customizable, with the ability to choose different port and keyboard configurations. The script mentions its 'custom shipment', 'totally customizable' top case, and interchangeable ports.

💡sustainable

By being modular, repairable, and upgradeable, the video conveys how the Framework laptop promotes sustainability and longevity, reducing electronic waste. The script contrasts it favorably with other manufacturers in this regard.

💡components

The video examines the Framework laptop's individual removable components that enable modularity and repairability, like the ports, keyboard, GPU module, RAM, SSD, battery, etc. The script describes, for instance, how 'each component is secured with magnets'.

💡open design

Framework uses an open design for its laptops, allowing components to be user-replaced and enabling third parties to create compatible parts and mods. As the script explains, 'they've made this an open standard, not proprietary'.

💡repair guides

To assist with self-repairs and upgrades, Framework provides detailed repair manuals and guides for their laptops, with QR codes linking to them. The video praises their commitment to repairability through these resources.

💡longevity

By facilitating repairs, upgrades, and customization, the Framework laptop promotes product longevity and extended useable lifespan, instead of being discarded when something breaks. As the script notes, it's 'designed to be kept running for as long as possible'.

💡e-waste

The video conveys the idea that the Framework laptop reduces electronic waste and throwaway culture compared to other manufacturers' devices that are difficult to repair. Its design demonstrates sustainable principles.

Highlights

This laptop has a user replaceable GPU, a first for laptops.

The laptop can be ordered as a DIY kit or fully assembled.

The laptop has open and modular ports that use standard interfaces.

The keyboard, trackpad, and top case are modular and customizable.

The LED matrix displays can be programmed but are currently buggy.

The GPU is easy to remove with just 6 screws.

The laptop has a second M.2 slot for extra storage.

All replaceable parts have QR codes linking to repair guides.

The framework is far more repairable than competing laptops.

Other manufacturers make laptops hard to repair intentionally.

The laptop uses a numbered screw order for easy reassembly.

The laptop has a modular GPU for potential upgrades.

The fans provide cooling for CPU and GPU.

The battery is easily removable with screws, not glue.

Overall an innovative and repairable laptop design.

Transcripts

this is the framework 16 framework's new

laptop and the big brother to the

modular and upgradeable framework 13 I

took a look at last year I thought their

first laptop was impressive from a

repair and upgradability standpoint

being one of the only new laptops to

support upgrading and replacement of the

ports Ram SSD Wi-Fi cards speakers

display and Battery I thought it

couldn't get any better than that that

is until I read this new model even has

a user replaceable GPU and that's not

the only new upgrade as we're soon to

see framework has lent me this laptop

for the video but had no editorial input

and didn't provide any payment what they

did provide was the merch that comes

with the pre-ordered models this

includes a poster patch and plenty of

stickers along with the usual

documentation this laptop can be ordered

completely assembled or as a DIY version

mind being a custom shipment means that

some things may be different to retail

shipping

versions included with mine was a

keyboard four spaces two of which are

black and the other two color shifting

these spaces are used between the

keyboard on the top deck also in the Box

was a numpad and two LED spaces these

are similar to the other four but these

two light up and can be programmed to

display different things we'll have to

see how that looks later

on

as all these parts are modular they can

all be purchased separately depending on

your preference or requirements just

like the ports for this laptop we have

two usba a 2 USBC display port and HDMI

but there are many others available for

sale including some by diyers or third

party vendors because framework have

made this an open standard not

proprietary so anyone can make an

adapter also included is a screwdriver

and spudger combo for repair and

upgrades as well as the 180 W gallium

nitride power adapter underneath that is

the star of the show itself the

framework 16 once we get it unpacked we

can take a proper look at

it before we dive into the hardware we

should quickly take a look at the

software this unit is running Windows 11

however this laptop has driver support

for various Linux distributions such as

Fedora and Ubuntu if you're setting up

any Windows 11 PC and like me also want

to sign into a Microsoft account simply

attempt to log into a suspended account

like a outlook.com and enter anything in

the password field this should trigger

the all too familiar oops something went

wrong message clicking next completely

bypasses the login

screen once into the OS we can see this

laptop's specific Hardware configuration

consisting of an AMD ryzen 7840 HS with

radon 78m graphics and 16 gigs of RAM

made from aluminium plastic this laptop

weighs in at 2.4 kilos with a GPU fitted

or 2.1 without this model also features

six interchangeable ports and a 16 by10

screen that measures in at 40 cm corner

to corner on the back of the GPU module

is one permanently attached USBC Port

that can be used for display output the

remainder of ports is up to you each

adapter uses a USBC interface and most

can be installed in any slot however

there are a few exceptions when it comes

to display output adapters and charging

but do you know what I haven't seen

before a modular top case unlocking the

two levers allows all the individual

components to Simply slide out each

component is secured with magnets and

connects to the computer using Pogo pins

not cables that doesn't mean it's just

easy to replace but also totally

customizable the row of pins in the

mid-frame provides the ability to move

the keyboard and trackpad to several

locations whether for personal

preference or to make space for another

component there are quite a number of

top case modules at launch including a

macro board colored spaces and led

Matrix

displays unlike the colored spaces these

ones light up and can be programmed to

display various

things the software can be found on the

main support page along with repair

manuals setup guides and drivers the

Control software is currently in beta

and it want to be for how buggy it is I

even got an error just opening it but

overlooking the buggy LED Matrix Control

software it can animate these panels

with patterns and text a feature that is

currently nothing more than a gimmick

but I'm sure more features will come and

hopefully provide a better use for these

panels like CPU and GPU usage they do

automatically time out after a short

period so I'm not sure what use they

could practice practically serve but if

you're a fan of RGB lights there is a

configuration to suit you the only real

area of this laptop struggles in is the

keyboard it's fine but not the best I've

seen but do you know what's better than

a modular top case a modular GPU the

base model lacks any dedicated graphics

card but if you decide you want one

after purchasing this laptop you can

just install one and it's plausible that

we'll see upgradeable G GPU modules in

the future removal of the graphics card

can be done by unfastening just six

screws four of which are for the

interconnect cable after which the GPU

literally just slides out of the laptop

even if you're not planning to upgrade

just think how easy it'll be to clean

out the

fans this module contains the Radeon

780m graphics card and system fans

models without dedicated graphics have a

shorter module two system fans and 33 3

cubic cm of space for tinkering and

potential mods removing the graphics

card will cause the laptop to use the

integrated Graphics each model has its

own interconnect cable the basic one

only utilizing one of the two

motherboard's

connections to access the remainder of

the internals the mid-frame must be

removed 16 screws hold it together which

is significantly more than the

framework's little brother but a

trade-off worth it for the extra

modularity after all these screws are

all labeled and captive so you don't

have to keep track of them as they won't

fall

out lifting up the mid-frame reveals the

internals of the framework 16 it looks

very similar to that of the framework 13

and features the same upgrade focused

motherboard and Battery held in with

screws not adhesive but there is one

difference with this motherboard and

it's not just the extra cooling but

something hidden under the

SSD there's a second smaller 22x 30 mm

SSD slot for another drive while the

mid-frame is removed we can see how the

modular GPU fits inside the lamptop the

fans also provide air to the CPU heat

sinks on the left and right sides while

exhausting heat from the dedicated GPU

out the back pulling fresh air in from

the top and bottom the 85w battery comes

out just as easily as everything else

and the upgradeability continues with

removable Ram all the replaceable

components inside this device have a QR

code that will link you to the repair

guide on framework's website just in

case you don't know how to do any of

these

procedures as this laptop won't be

getting upgraded today it can go back

together there is a numbered order that

the screws are supposed to be tightened

in to evenly distribute pressure like

when you tighten a wheel on a

car I can then reattach the dedicated

GPU and install the top case modules I

fit and we're done so this is it the

framework 16 they've really outdone

themselves with this one they took the

most repairable laptop on the market and

made it even more modular even more

upgradeable and even more powerful this

laptop is designed to be taken apart

repaired serviced and kept running for

as long as possible with repair manuals

and spare parts available from day one

it's open to third parties and diyers

allowing them to make expansion cards

and other

modifications it's kilometers ahead of

the competition in this regard if a

small tech company can make something

this modular it shows you just how much

other manufacturers simply don't care

about sustainability or repairability or

are just intentionally making it harder

to repair the things you own and on that

note this has been a Hugh Jeff's video

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for this video and I'll catch you guys

next time