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.