Just an idea that came to mind. In theory, one could buy only the essential components to make a stand-alone machine that is NOT a laptop, as in no screen, battery, or even lid for that matter. Basically it would function as a very compact, lightweight, and portable … (powered keyboard?) … if a person had a desire for such a thing lol
I think these parts could make a working unit, assuming the builder did not already have them:
Main board (i5) $449
Input cover kit $99
Bottom cover kit $99
250GB SSD $66
8 GB Ram $40
WiFi $18 (technically not needed?)
USB-C expansion card to power it $9
HDMI or DP expansion card for monitor $18
Total $798 (quite expensive for what little function you get)
Load OS of choice, plug in separate monitor with speakers, I think it would work. Pretty sure I saw a place in bios to disable the battery.
Not sure what the point would be, but it’s a thought.
Oh and full disclosure, I was watchning the video you linked yesterday when I thought, why go through all that trouble (other than being a hobby) when we already have the framework bottom base, which is basically the same thing as what he made…
This would become more feasible when Framework releases a new motherboard. If you upgraded yourself, you would have the original available for this. There would also be used motherboards available for sale (obviously at a discount) from those who did upgrade.
I would love to make a NAS out of my “old” motherboard.
@Fraoch I can see in a couple years, being able to literally build an entire Frankenstein laptop from used parts on Marketplace/eBay. I just hope a business model like that is sustainable long term.
I think in CJ’s case it was really just because he could. Which is all the reason you need. But I think one thing I should mention here, is that the nature of the Framework laptop means you could make your own laptop. Framework doesn’t sell a ultra small compact laptop? Make your own. (that is what I’m doing) They don’t make a 17" laptop? Well make your own.
That is not something you can easily do with other laptops.
This is considered a premium feature so it won’t save costs but increase them.
I hadn’t factored that. Been a laptop-only user for around 10 years or more so I haven’t been monitor shopping lately. Can’t believe how much they are! But the USB-PD sounds nice
Monitors with an integrated USB-C hub are not just aimed at M1 Macs. Dell has a whole range of them, with integrated Ethernet adaptor and power supply. They work great with the FW: Just one cable needed to dock & get external monitor. Keyboard/mouse/sound/external webcam can all be plugged in to the hub and be instantly available. They’re not super-expensive.
