[Idea] Chromebook module

General Topics
1

I have a Framework Chromebook Plus which I love (typing on it right now), and I noticed that Framework took down the model from their store.

Would it be possible to make the Chromebook feature a module that you can plug into your Framework machine and it would make it a Chromebook? That way Framework doesn’t have to build a different logic board for Chromebook models, but users can purchase the base model and just add the Chromebook feature module to your device to make it a Chromebook.
I would envision that this would be the ultimate Chromebook. You can start with the Chromebook and if you ever matured away from it, you remove the module and install your OS of choice.

Anyway, my .02 hoping that Chromebook support will be available when it’s time to upgrade my Framework laptop.

Thanks

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2

I believe there is a Chromebook lite version that can be installed on any hardware. There is a video on Linus Tech Tips on how to convert an old laptop to a Chromebook and it should work for the newer hardware.

3

Yeah, that is Flex, but unfortunately that doesn’t come with the Google Play store, Android or Linux support which I use heavily.

4

Unfortunately, I think that would require partnering with Google to create ChromeOS certified hardware. Having this in the form of a module would be interesting, but I’m not sure if Google would certify that as a valid Chromebook.

Of course, I do not have much experience working in ChromeOS or know how certification works, so what I say should definitely be taken with a grain of salt.

5

You would probably need more than just plugging in a module. Still, it’s a neat thought, and with how customizable Framework laptops are, maybe they’ll come up with something in the future to make ChromeOS easier to run on their device

6

I really hope the Framework Chromebook sold well enough for them to consider another one in the future. I’m typing this on mine right now with a freshly upgraded 2k screen.

As for support - ChromeOS Flex should bridge the gap for a lot of devices but the problem is without a Titan C chip you miss out on basic things like being able to unlock the device with a PIN (entering my gmail + full password every time is a showstopper).

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