logged on looking for an update on the same issue. I don’t need a GPU. I do want to add redundant (btrfs ~raid1 array) storage, though. Theoretically this is possible with the second 2230 slot BUT those cards are slightly more limited in sizes, 2x the cost, and stacked right on top of each other which seems to pose a thermal problem.
Really hoping framework releases an expansion bay to add the additional 2280 nvme m.2 discs.
It would also seem like doing so would be able to support other uses where the side expansion cards aren’t that viable - such as an LTE modem in the 2280 slot with a passable internal antenna (or even external). Existing LTE proposals all seem to require large protrusions outside of the laptop in addition to the antennaes themselves, which pretty much means they need to be removed prior to putting the laptop in a bag
I’d also be interested in a shell with ethernet and and LTE modem.
The protruding modules that are currently available for these just seem very cumbersome.
I know right!? After I saw that, I was wondering when confirmation of production was announced, and then wondered if maybe Linus let it slip early? So first thing I did was look and now I’m here.
Glad to see I’m not the only one who saw that. I watched it last night and was like “Oh cool they’re making the dual M.2 for the expansion bay!” Now this isn’t something I need, I have more need for the GPU, but I’m excited none the less!
There is no need to check the marketplace every day. We will be sharing more about that module soon and probably won’t add it to the marketplace quietly.
They were already being manufactured like 2 months ago, and I’m sure the LTT factory tour was filmed even a bit before that… Maybe I’m wrong but it shouldn’t take that long to put a PCB in a box and get them ready to ship. I feel like I’m purposefully being tormented or trolled at the moment
@ryanpetris
There have been problems with the m.2 expansion bay. Evidenced by a BIOS update being needed for them to work.
So my guess is that they wish to get the BIOS update out before trying to sell the items so that they don’t get a torrent of support emails.
I see. I’m guessing it has something to do with PCIe bifurcation? I’d imagine they’d want to get the CPU to do that rather than adding a PCIe switch to the board. If that is the case I’m guessing one of the m.2 slots does indeed work while the other slot is going to need the bios update.
If that’s the case it would still be nice to be able to get my hands on one to have another functional m.2 slot for now, and just wait for the bios update to be able to use the second port. Even if I can’t boot off of the second drive that would be fine.
Appreciate that the absence of Destroya returning with news likely means that there is none… but I am one of who knows how many prospective customers holding off making a purchase pending the release of the M.2 expansion bay… in my case it is the one feature that takes this machine past the capabilities of my LG Gram 16, which has a pair of 2280 sockets provided.
May I ask if there would be any possibility of Frame.Work considering some form of roadmap update to the main blog? Many other tech companies do this, so not unheardof. It would be really helpful to me, from a budgeting perspective, to know when I’m going to need to have the funds ready to make a purchase.
