Sorry if this is a duplicate post, but I couldn’t find anything similar by searching. Has the idea of a gen2 chassis for the framework 13 that is built like the framework 16 been floated or discussed yet?
I’ve swapped the keyboard module (not the whole input cover) a few times on my framework 13 and it’s a huge pain. I’m thankful I even have the option to do it, but I can’t help but be envious of framework 16 users in this regard.
I don’t think it’s necessary to replicate the whole concept of rearranging the keyboard deck, but just the ability to swap out the keyboard and trackpad at will would make my life a ton easier. Maybe it’s just me being a weirdo by swapping my keyboard so frequently. I’ve definitely stripped a screw or 2.
By Framework or by a community member?
Framework normally does not reveal plans until they are pretty far along, they want to be sure no showstoppers could be left. So we wouldn’t know if another Framework utilizing the FWL16 keyboard is in planning or development.
I don’t think such a thing will come to a 13" Framework in the near to medium term future at least. As the current FWL13 targets thin and light, and in order to stay thin you must shave millimeters everywhere possible. But perhaps they’ll make a Framework Laptop 14 or 15 at some point with such a keyboard. Further out, we could maybe see it. When Framework has grown enough, has high enough sales, that they can do a second 13" model. But I think we’ll see a 14 or 15" well before that.
I figured nothing had been announced/teased by Framework, but was wondering if anyone else in the community had suggested or expressed interest in something similar.
It does make sense that shaving off millimeters is important for a thin and light, but I’ll still keep dreaming. It’d be cool to unify the peripherals across the product lines too, so you could in theory own both and just swap keyboards and trackpads. I’m definitely just spitballing.
The peripheral design of the 16 is just so much nicer and I’d love to see something similar on the 13. Maybe that’s a hot take but with some refinement I really think the 16’s peripheral modules could be close to ideal design.
Oh yea, the FWL16 keyboards could be great in multiple models. I know I’d love to see that.
People have talked about methods to create more vertical space, but Iirc it was in the context of making room for off-the-shelf mechanical keys. And I think almost all of it was centered around the FWL16. But the same or similar ideas could potentially work in the FWL13. One thought was adding shims under the hinges to raise them, and the screen along with. 3d printing a new hinge cover and bezel or new input deck.
Yeah, I’ve seen the threads about fitting mechanical keyboards in the 16, which I think would be a sick idea. I’m sure something like that is already in the works based on the 2nd gen event presentation, even if it’s not for an off the shelf keyboard.
I feel like a new input cover and/or hinge could be designed to accommodate the hot swappable keyboard and trackpad modules on the 13 though. Easy for a not-a-hardware engineer to say with no research or stake in the game.