It seams that 16 is thick enough to have 2 rows of IO modules. Have you considered to add second row for at least one module on each side? I know that it would be herder to remove and they couldn’t be connected directly to the motherboard. (for usb 3.2 only it should be no problem) But it not only give space for another modules, buy it would allow modules with double height. In that case you could have better Ethernet module that would not stick outside of laptop frame. Assuming that height of two modules is enough for Ethernet connector.
It could be used for other ports that requires more space like: VGA, COM, PS/2, full size jack etc. (with the same assumption)
I think it’s interesting idea but not very practical, if I understood it correctly.
First 16 inch laptop is rather to big and heavy to be hold as handheld.
Second, there would be no enough room to close laptop if controller is attached, so you would have to remove it ech time, you want to close your laptop. Or they must be very slim, that would make them not very comfortable to use.
The most slim (slimmest?) Joystick module ever produced by Alps have about 1cm in height, including stick. 7mm without.
How devices (e.g., GPD Win Max) achieved it is by digging a “hole” in the chassis for it to sit inside. Without this option your best option is a capacitive touchpad or buttons.
I think that would be a brilliant opportunity to have some form of RFID scanner module.
Yes I mean internally. That’s the beauty of choice isn’t it? The people that want it can have it and the people that want bigger battery can have that. Me? I use my laptop plugged in 99% of the time. If the battery lasts 15 minutes that’s enough for me to move it from one room to another.
This is absolutely massive, easily the best tech drop this year, i’d even say better than what we got last year. now i can finally graduate from terraria and hollow knight to more intensive titles on my framework! 6 expansion slots is huge too, i frequently maxed my 4 (really 3 since i charge it basically all the time) out with peripherals and such.
I am still trying to understand the not up-to-date screen to body ratio, in particular the “chin”. I was wondering why there is a 16" screen in a 17" form factor in late 2023…
But considering the possibility to insert new modules from the back I believe that the hinge construction had to be moved a lot to the bottom of the screen? Hmm, this would explain and mean that it simply can’t be done better. I assume a lot of expert engineers considered it.
It is just such an issue for many people, screen and portability are key for enthusiasts. And it counters the whole idea a bit. Why would someone want to perpetually upgrade a laptop with an out-of-date screen size for its form factor. It’s the one thing you cannot upgrade, but that is so essential.
Would be interested to know more, but this is just to stress that if there is any possibility, to please reduce the chin. This notebook is so close to perfect… In any case, I assume it cannot be done, which makes sense as well.
Absolutely thrilled to see the 16", I think Framework is closer than ever!
Still would love to see:
The new GPU module capable of routing ethernet and maybe some USB ports to the back of the laptop as well as video
Intel Arc GPUs
Sensel touchpads
Coreboot BIOS
All-black chassis
Pen input displays, 2in1 hinges?
There’s a lot for Framework to cover, but as they grow, their vision of modularity certainly lends itself well to accomodating all the various needs in the market.
I’m super thrilled to see Framework taking the sensible choice of making the numberpad optional. Those things are big wastes of space and offer poor ergonomics.
Also really happy to see the modular GPUs and AMD motherboards.
Are there any forums to discuss the the Expansion Bay and Input Extensions? Having read the Expansion Bay stuff, I’m really excited to start messing around with design - bit early to actually build anything - but never too early to get started.
Not to overhype the hypothetical, but the 20 lane limitation is specific to Phoenix (7040) and Intel Mobile processors. Other processors have more lanes…
I think ECC SODIMMs top out at DDR5-4800, so you’re leaving a bit of performance on the table if data integrity is a must. But retiring the mainboard to a mini server in the future sounds nice. Quick, someone make a SAS expansion card!
Another quick point which is for later on and just a fun post: when you talk to the big guys (MSI, ASUS, etc.) to encourage them for GPU modules, please also talk to XMG for a unit with a connection for the XMG Oasis (second gen). Sorry, but if you are fulfilling the dream of upgradable graphics on a laptop, then I want to be one of the guys proposing to watercool that stuff ;). Yes, I am proposing to make FM16 a watercooled laptop through the back door.
I would be the type of person to purchase a 2.5 inch bay instead of a graphics card bay. But dual NVMe carriage is fine. Although if it’s sacrificing the entire bay just for drives, I would put in 4 slots rather than two. Also toss in 1 or 2 SATA chipsets.
How many drive slots does the 16 inch motherboard come with?
