Another crazy idea: Can we have an Ultrabase-like dock?

Framework Laptop 13
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Given that the chassis of the FL13 is pretty static (no changes over the years)…can we have a sup-up pack / ultrabase / dock with the following features:

  • 99.99Wh battery
  • Better speakers
  • Ability to take the FL16 GPU module over TB4 connectivity
  • Take more expansion modules (i.e. customizable TB / USB 4 dock)

Kind of line the LineDock, but latch onto the side expansion card slots instead of connected over a cable, and some design to latch onto the front edge (facing the user):

Take the expansion card slots…and really expand the capabilities / possibilities.

This would give the FL13 a total of 160Wh battery combined, but is still FAA flyable because it’s across two battery packs (99.99 + 61Wh):

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Have you looked at the FWL16 GPU module? It actually spans the whole width of the FWL16 along the very back. That’s going to be one chunky base.

Also there is a fan intake on the bottom on the 13. So the GPU module would have to go at the front? And exhaust hot air straight at the user? I’m gonna say this one might be DOA.

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Yes (via photos and videos)

A thin profile is what got us into low capacity battery and poor audio, no?

Chunky, probably. …because I come from something like an X200 ultrabase experience… So anything thinner than that would be ‘fine’.

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That’s like close to an inch (width) on left and right ‘wing’…with no electrical components. They can just have a ‘not as wide’ rear plastic shell for the modular GPU. The actual thickness is much within (my) acceptable range. Not going to be thicker than the FL16 chassis height (excluding the lid).

The footprint doesn’t need to match that of the FL13. Plus, the GPU module is option…so people can have the “option” to go with it, having a GPU with larger footprint…or not. It’s not fixed.

The ultrabase will continue to have the ‘gap’ with the FL13 as if it’s on a table. it doesn’t need to be there with 0mm clearance (is that what you worry about?). i.e. You have two layers of gap: Table to GPU, exhaust out the back. And, the ultrabase top layer to the FL13 intake, exhaust out the usual way.

That way, the GPU module will have two SKUs, the current one for FL16, and one for FL13 ultrabase dock. If / when people buy an FL13 GPU module, it could be the same GPU module (PCB, GPU, everything…except that rear shell). And when someone wants to move / upgrade to an FL16, they can reuse the GPU module, just swap in an FL16 GPU rear shell. Making the GPU module transferable between FL13 ultrabase and the FL16.

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