At the recent GDC Game Developer Event, Framework unveiled new improvements to its Framework Laptop 13. The main point is to additionally support Intel 13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 motherboards. The most notable is the following. A new Model Framework 16 has been released which supports external graphics. It should be a GPU with the same modular style as before and with a reduced size. Let’s look at them one by one.
First, the new Framework Laptop 13 is an improved version of the previous Framework product. It has been upgraded to a 12th Gen Intel chip and a Chrome version will be released later this year. This new version comes with a choice of 13th Gen Core processors or AMD Ryzen 7040 motherboards. The AMD version adds a Wi-Fi module which improves compatibility with DDR5 memory. Additionally, newer Intel or AMD motherboards are compatible with existing Framework 13 laptops. You just need to order the motherboard separately and replace it with the existing product. It can be a cost-effective upgrade.
Meanwhile, Framework Laptop 16 is the first product for media and gaming. The screen and body have been enlarged and enough space is secured to mount an external graphics card. At the same time, as in the existing small frame design, it supports a modular system so that parts can be interchanged as needed. The biggest feature is the expansion bay which supports PCIe x8 connection. Depending on the need, you can use various peripherals by connecting them to the laptop body. In other words, in addition to the graphics card, other components such as M.2 storage card readers and video capture devices can be connected using it.
The Framework Laptop 16 has another modular expansion option, the “Keyboard Deck”. In other words, the keyboard area is largely divided into three parts. The default is a standard laptop keyboard (large module) and you can also select a numeric keypad (middle module) or a subminiature panel (small module). It is also possible to combine them according to the user. You can also choose a secondary display using an e-ink panel, smart card reader, LED matrix, or haptic input slider. Thanks to open source software and 3D print files, the choices are virtually endless.
Another interesting thing revealed by Framework is a case of recycling old Framework motherboards. The company designed a plastic case in collaboration with Cooler Master. With this, the replacement motherboard can be used as a mini desktop PC complete with RAM and M.2 storage. Just attach a few other frame modules like video, wireless, and USB. This mini PC is a great home theater or kids computer.
The new Framework Laptop 13 Intel and AMD models are listed on the Framework website. advance bookingcan do. Pricing starts at $849 for a barebones model without RAM, storage, and OS, or $1,049 for an all-inclusive model. The actual delivery of the product is in May. Replacement motherboards for existing framework users will also be sold from this point on. The larger Framework Laptop 16 will be available later this year. Pricing and hardware specs haven’t been announced yet, and the pre-order period wasn’t announced until spring. The Cooler Master SFF case is $39 and, again, only says it’s available in the spring.
editor@itworld.co.kr
