I understand the Framework team is currently working on a Q&A regarding the Chromebook Edition.
I have gone through several discussions about the new Chromebook Edition; there appears to be a few unanswered questions. The ones I could come up with are as follows:
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Laptop Top Cover Swapping:
The top cover is different. Will it be possible for a user to replace the Chromebook Edition cover with the stronger CNC version? Perhaps a good option to give buyers with a DIY version? On that note, how about an optional minimalist cover that does not feature any logos (for all existing and future FW laptops). -
Mainboard Desktop Version:
Can a user remove the Chromebook Edition mainboard from the laptop casing and make a Chrome OS desktop? Will it be compatible with the official 3D printed Framework case? -
Mainboard Swapping (Chromebook → Windows/Linux, or vice versa):
Will the Framework team please implement the option for a user to take a standard Windows FW mainboard and install it into the chassis of the Chromebook Edition? Meaning, making sure there is basic compatibility with the trackpad, WiFi card, webcam, etc (firmware)? Obviously, having the ability for a Chromebook Edition mainboard to be installed into a standard Framework chassis with full compatibility would also be smart. Theoretically, someone could maintain their Chromebook Edition well past 2030. If there is no new Chromebook upgrade path available, at this time, users are going to be depending on compatibility with a Windows based Framework mainboard. In the very least, they need to be able to abandon Chrome OS and install Windows or Linux. -
Keyboard Foreign Language Options:
ETA on different language options for the Chromebook Edition keyboard? Will this simply not happen? -
Touch Screen Option:
Touch screen option: so that Android apps can be interacted with appropriately? Does not need to be mandatory but an upgrade or higher tier would be logical. -
Speaker Compatibility:
Are the new, more powerful, speakers in the Chromebook edition compatible with the standard Windows/Linux based Framework laptop? -
Operating System Options:
Can a user install something besides Chrome OS on the Chromebook Edition hardware? What about dual-booting? Is it totally locked down? Would someone be able to install and run Chrome OS from an external SSD module, or would the installation need to be located on the internal NVME? -
Battery Life:
How many hours did the battery testing reveal in the lab? I understand it should be at least 10 hours as this is a Google mandated standard, correct? -
Hardware Compatibility:
Would the FW team please establish a detailed list of what parts are the same across the entire product line, and which are not? So far, the only details known for sure are that the bezels and USB-C modules work across all products. It is also known that the speakers, keyboard, trackpad, mainboard are all different. Additionally, compatibility may not exist across operating systems, or even between product lines, for the WiFi cards, webcams, trackpads, NVMEs, fingerprint reader. What about all the other parts? Regardless, hopefully all of these parts can be used in any of the current products to reduce confusion and increase repairability / customization. -
DIY Option:
Will there be a DIY option? I think a lot of people do not want to be stuck with the base storage and base RAM. Meaning, these customers do not want to pay for these entry level hardware components, only to buy and install better ones after initial purchase. -
Future Framework Chromebook Mainboard Upgrades:
What sort of milestone is Framework looking for to establish the possibility of a future Chromebook mainboard upgrade path?
Of course, there will not be perfect compatibility but it is obvious that this level of support needs to be as established as possible. There will be many future headaches if care is not taken in this regard.
Thank you.