Me too. This would improve the laptop’s aesthetic and the perception of quality in a huge way. Right now every time I look down at my very expensive laptop, I cringe.
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I don’t know, I think if done correctly it would actually look pretty cool. I think the problem is expecting three wafer-thin pieces of metal to line up so perfectly in the first place. If that can’t be done well enough to actually look good, maybe instead the spacers should have some sort of contoured features to them that could mask imperfections and/or completely change how they interface. I’m not sure what, I’m not very creative or artistic, but I personally don’t think they necessarily need to create a plain flat surface.
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Yeah I agree with this. If someone out there creates a double-width spacer, I would be very interested - even if it’s plastic and a different colour, as that would still look better than the two spacers side-by-side that I have now. My spacers aren’t even the same finish as each other.
No. That is not a problem. Not when I paid thousand of euros.
And I can’t recommend Framework notebooks when people ask me, why the palmrest looks like it is from a cheap 200 dollar China notebook.
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You didn’t pay thousands for a flat surface. You paid for a complete product which actually never even asserted that these pieces would mate perfectly. It was very apparent in all pre-production photos that there were gaps and imperfections.
It is a problem. It is an engineering problem. Could it be solved? Probably, but likely at a cost of many thousands more, hence my point. They tried to do a very tricky thing, and would likely have better success trying something completely different.
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Sorry for the very late reply, but that wouldn’t be my main issue. The gaps between the current implementation is, and how “rough” those feel on ones palms when lying them down to type. I much prefer a solid surface where my hands lie on, I don’t really care about it being a bit off around the edges of the laptop. Hope that makes sense.
I’d like to think more of paying for an idea and a “template” of how it should be. And the possible future building on this foundation (not just the Framework guys but the big players as well).
I’m frustrated. The FL16 is my go-to guy whenever I need to be in a simple meeting, setting up servers, planning wiring in buildings or even entire branch offices.
Tech guys have been asking about my cool notebook with its hot-swappable connectors. Then I tell them about the company and the options you have. It’s pricey but it’s good. But many worry over the same thing as me: the spacers.
If you guys do not give a F about looks, that’s your thing. But a tech marvel as the FL16 doesn’t deserve to look like a patchwork. I’ll never give up on the notebook.
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A year later and just came by to report that I’m sending my new Framework 16 back tomorrow because of the touchpad spacers. I can’t stand them anymore. They make the whole laptop feel so cheap.
There is a 3d printed part they have released for this.
I saw that. Quite a hack for something Framework should address.
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I agree that the 3d printed trackpad part is not a good solution. Considering that they have been experimenting with, and even made a prototype single piece albeit with larger haptic trackpad which isn’t working well enough, I am really hoping that enough customers show interest for a single piece trackpad even if it is the current size without haptic, that framework will manufacture that part then.
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I agree that it seems a simple thing they could offer. The haptic trackpad they showed seemed like such an over engineered solution. I think it’s fine to offer a couple of one piece trackpads depending on your position preference.
As much as I like their approach to customisation I don’t feel like this is something I would change my mind about on a regular basis. I’m quite settled on having mine centred.
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Agreed! Set and forget! I’ll have to say that they never really bother me all that much, but would certainty like to have a single piece.
so I just ordered a single piece 3d printed plam rest. The fit is great but the finish is horrible. I was starting to have issues withe the touchpad not being detected and needing to reseat it. The 3rd party palm rest seems to have fixed that for now. Who knows how long that will last with the cheap quality of the 3d printed part.
While it is great that the community can make parts this really should be something framework sells. When I first got the laptop the palm rest spacers scratched my screen.
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I know this is old but this happens to me all the time and I would love a one piece track pad to help remedy the situation.
I would love to see a single touchpad module option for the 16
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Sorry for the late reply. My batch 1 FW 16 also came with stripped speaker posts on the main chassis. I added some blue locktite to give the screws something to grab onto. I suspect they were still dialing the torque on the (presumably) automated driver used to install the chassis screws.
This is a must in the future, i do not like the way it looks now, most people will use the mousepad in central position i think.. so one piece is the way to go, it could be offered as an extra option of course
Yes. And I have no idea why they are so reluctant to make 3 options: Left/Middle/Right.
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Why not try this:
Someone is selling 3d printed, full width touchpad surround.