Is it possible to purchase the Framework laptop without a mainboard? My problem is that I wish to purchase a laptop, however, my Visa card has a limit of approximately 640 USD so being able to buy the DIY edition laptop without the board would be nice. Buying the necessary parts individually to assemble a laptop is out of the question as that costs a lot more than just buying a complete unit…
Not possible. You might find someone with a broken laptop that is willing to salvage some expense by selling you the shell. I actually did that a month ago. Or you can wait until 12th gen refurbs drop. The 11th gen models sold for around $600 for the i5, I can’t imagine FW not selling refurbs of the 12th gen eventually, especially since they sold out so quick.
Can I ask why you want a shell? It won’t do anything without the mainboard after all
My guess, based on the mention of a card limit, is that OP wants to purchase the laptop in chunks to stay under said limit. Unfortunately, the cheapest you can go includes a motherboard if you’re purchasing directly from Framework.
Best bet is probably to keep an eye on eBay for someone selling a used 11th gen for a good price and upgrading that over time, unless 12th gen refurbs go up for sale.
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You can buy parts off of marketplace, keep the buys under your limit, but there is no way it will be cheaper than buying a bundle. Still could meet your limit requirements.
A janky idea I had was to purchase the Framework without the mainboard (and maybe without the webcam too), is to try to fit some RK3588 baseboard or something like a Steam deck mainboard and connect them all up using the input adapter/screen to HDMI.
A Franken-Framework laptop.
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@O_M Well wasn’t I prescient. Now is your chance OP, buy a refurb NOW before they sell out!
EDIT: Well, nevermind, the pricing is lower but not as low as the 11th gen was. It starts at $719.
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