As framework grows as a company, I’ve noticed something:
In the framework 12 and 16, there are features and such that make them a lot better that just can’t be implemented into the framework 13.
For example, the input cover connecter on the 12 features a much better connector than the cable on the 13 that cannot be implemented into the 13. This is because it would require the input cover and the mainboard both to be replaced which I never think they’ll ever do.
The point I’m trying to convey, is I think the general design of the laptop is kinda already locked in and they can’t really make many improvements without requiring replacing multiple (possibly expensive) parts. It wouldn’t make sense for a mainboard upgrade to require other separate, expensive parts (and the old ones might go to waste), but that seems to be the only way to improve the design.
I just wanted to throw this out and see y’all’s thoughts on this.
I’ve thought about this too, and I agree that the Framework 13 is almost hitting the limits of what can realistically be improved within its current design. At some point, I think they’ll have to release a Framework Laptop 13 “V2” with a significantly different internal design, rather than trying to force new features into an old layout.
As long as they keep selling parts for the original 13 and make as much as possible compatible between generations, I think that’s totally fine and still fits Framework’s philosophy.
You’re right that improvements like the better input cover connector on the 12 just can’t be added to the 13 without replacing multiple major parts, which defeats the point of modular upgrades and would create unnecessary waste. That’s why the design feels a bit “locked in” now.
I don’t really see that as a failure though, more just a natural point where a clean V2 design makes more sense than incremental tweaks.
Regarding input cover cable compatibility, it can still be done by providing new input cover cable as long as the newer design is electrically compatible to the current design.
I think one way to work that out, if we still have current gen design constraints in mind, is to make sure most of the current gen components are compatible to the next gen chassis, while next gen components may not be compatible to the old chassis, or the functionality could be reduced due to the constraint.
This is true of any company. There is no product you can buy that will enable you getting all the features and abilities from the point of purchase until the end of time. There is always trade-offs.
The Framework 12 and 16 are different products and have different goals in mind. Honestly in terms of reliability a tethered keyboard cover is superior for the functionality of typing but not as great for repair efforts.
So you could argue that the Framework 13 has a more reliable keyboard connector that has a slight trade off for ease of repair.
So far I don’t see any reason to have concerns about the future of the Framework 13. If pogo pins are crucially important to you then buy a 12 or 16.
This is a bit off topic, but stay with me. The best laptop form factor I’ve ever had was an HP Envy 360 with the original AMD Ryzen SoC. It was an AWFUL thin&light as it somehow managed to suck battery at an incredible rate despite an OLED screen and 15W SoC (I think the Gen 1 SoC used regular instead of LP DRAM, which seems like it shouldn’t have been an issue, but who knows). Regardless, the touchscreen and tablet format opened my eyes to what could be. Fast forward to ubiquitous bluetooth mice and keyboards and tablet stands/cases which combine them, and the idea of a laptop is different than what it used to be. For me, the laptop keyboard and touchpad are vestigial. But more than that, the laptop hinge is a major failure point which has been replaced for years in tablet cases via a simple folding semi-rigid case.
So all of that to say, I hope that the next gen isn’t an iterative improvement, but a really different form factor. A tablet that really leverages bluetooth peripherals and semi-rigid case options to give 90% of standard laptop functionality while making several failure points (keyboard, trackpad, hinges) simply vanish would be a major improvement. Some folks absolutely need the trackpad and integrated hinge/keyboard, but with 3 models, I think that a standard thin&light, a big desktop replacement, and a high-end extendable tablet would cover more ground than the current lineup.
So yes, I agree that the 13 is getting long in the tooth, but I see that as an opportunity. Finally, laptop cooling when the intake is pointed down is a perennial issue when using a laptop on a soft surface (e.g. propped on your knees in bed watching Netflix). If the mainboard is built into the vertical/screen portion (as in a tablet in a semi-rigid case), then keeping the cooling intake gets simpler. Potentially, if the whole rear aluminum surface of the tablet body were the heat rejection surface, passive cooling for 15-25W chips might be possible.