The delay is disappointing, sure, but I really appreciate the level of transparency here. I’m glad to see Framework’s commitment to getting this correct right out the gate!
And hey, I’ve been waiting a few years for this (basically what I wanted ever since the reveal of the original Framework 13!), so another month or so won’t hurt!
Deep dives? What is that?
Ohhh, yeah. Those were great! I miss them.
Well, I guess Framework is dedicating all resources to trying to not let the FW16 release slip. With anything else going to the huge customer service load they have right now.
This shows that they are really still busy testing and adjusting the product like a Formula 1 car trying to set it up as soon as possible under high pressure. But to be honest, the delay does not really come as a surprise given that even the deep dives supposedly “coming soon” suddenly stopped entirely.
Yes, it is a shame that effectively this product missed its launch year and that the notebook is now a 2024 product pure and simple. But I personally have to say the transparency is absolutely awesome, impressive. And I am also relieved. It shows they are taking this very, very seriously and do not let themselves be rushed. I am glad this project that so many have been waiting for is in such safe hands - honestly.
But just to put my own “fan” opinion into perspective, I remember seeing several posts here of people desperately waiting for it, so I understand that some are actually disappointed first that “Q4” apparently meant days before Christmas (omg) and now it means - 2024.
I agree that this level of transparency means they are taking it seriously.
I’m one of the people “desperately waiting for it”. Even though I’m limping on with my half broken notebook, I’m still able to use it for work. Just learned to… not move it
I’m basically hoping for the deep dives to resume before the end of the year.
Yup. Disappointing on the one hand, but the transparency of issues, fixes in hand, testing to round them up is so, SO refreshing and appreciated. Unfortunate, but not entirely surprising, but THIS level of communication is what more companies should aspire to. Don’t hide everything and think it’ll torpedo the company. These days, quite the opposite. Doesn’t have to be super detailed, but a bit of information, a bit of acknowledgement of buyers/prospective buyers concerns have been heard, even if can’t always be acted upon.
I hope FW takes the time needed to create a great product.
I personally hope they prioritize quality over rushed delivery. I rather wait 3 months longer and get a good product, instead of having it early at the cost of substantial problems. Even 6 months more is better than half-baked stuff out the door.
New processor comes out, upgrade the motherboard.
New display technology comes out, upgrade the display.
Wifi, RAM, storage, same deal.
New GPU? Hope someone engineers a Bay module for it.
Last update was 15 days ago, Friday is December 1st. When do you think our next update will be? It seems like there were many issues that could make an update/ timeline challenging. What do ya’ll think?
Since the last update mentioned mid-December as the target for first shipment (and an at-risk target at that) I imagine they won’t communicate any potential delays until we get closer to that mid-December point.
Well, there was a message (after the newsletter that mentioned mid-December) somewhere that suggested that there might be an announcement on the 27th of Nov (last Monday) or maybe a week later. It sounds like they may have made a breakthrough on whatever the problems have been, and now it is just a case of getting it into manufacturing (subject to whatever commitments they have made with resources for the FW13, that were originally targeted at the FW16).
If you’re talking about that reddit post first mentioned here,
it’s lacking some quotation marks that may make it less misleading. That mention of updates on the 27th, the 1st at the latest, are speculation by the author of the post. They aren’t from Framework.
Second update on Framework Laptop 16 shipment timing
In our first update email, we gave a quick overview of where we are on starting Framework Laptop 16 manufacturing and a list of open issues. There are still a handful of firmware items that are open and module production dates that are pending for full system production. However, we’ve made excellent progress in the last two weeks, and we’re happy to share that Mainboard mass production has started! This means the first set of final Mainboards are flowing down the manufacturing line this week at our factory in Taiwan. We’ll run them through the normal testing procedures and hold them while we prepare for full system manufacturing.
We’re eager to close out the rest of the opens, build the first units, and get them out to you all. We have a list of the remaining open items below, along with the issues from the last update that are now resolved.
New issues
High pitched airflow noise in the Graphics Module fan - We identified an airflow path in the Graphics Module fan that could result in a high pitch noise. This is another issue that was resolved in DVT2, but we found a regression in it during pre-mass production sample checking. Our supplier was able to resolve the issue with an adjustment to one of the internal mechanical parts in the fan that guides the airflow path. We’re now determining whether there is any impact to the schedule from needing to adjust tooling and rework already produced fans, but we don’t expect this to be the long pole in the schedule.
In progress
The fans have a small chirping noise on startup - Our fan supplier was able to root cause the issue and revise the fan to remove the chirping noise. The initial production schedule for updated fans is currently the longest pole for our system production schedule, so we’re working closely with the supplier to find ways to shorten it.
Power tuning during heavy loading - Our graphics card provider was able to revise the card and is proceeding into production on it. Even though the issue is resolved, we’re tracking it as “in progress” since Graphics Module manufacturing is one of the longer pole items on our production schedule. We’re also continuing to tune firmware to maximize performance across different power scenarios (on full battery, on low battery, on a 100W adapter, on a 180W adapter, on a 240W adapter, etc)
Graphics Module compatibility issues in Linux - We’re still working closely with the team at AMD to debug Linux compatibility issues on the Graphics Module. Our current assumption is that VBIOS firmware needs to be modified. Linux compatibility is extremely important, and we’re committed to making sure it is smooth before launch.
USB-PD firmware is in the process of completion - With the Framework Laptop 16 being the first product on the market supporting 180W and 240W USB-C along with a complex scheme for handling Expansion Cards, our USB-PD firmware is complicated. Implementation is nearly complete, and we also want to ensure we do sufficient testing before our target 12/8 mass production internal firmware release.
LED Matrix module schedule is trending late - We’re working with the supplier to pull in their schedule to meet launch timing, but it is still trending late.
Resolved issues
Cosmetic issues on aluminum forming parts using high recycled material content - We’ve completed process tuning and set cosmetic criteria that gives good results without resulting in excessive yield loss for production. In parallel, we’re working with the aluminum parts supplier on an improved source for post-consumer recycled material to use in the long run.
Our Numpad vendor used out of spec resistors - Our supplier was able to build new interface boards with the correct resistors, and their overall module production is on schedule.
Tuning capacitor noise - Our supplier was able to switch some capacitors to low noise variants and adjust the slew rate on some power rails, which substantially reduced noise.
Expansion Bay Interposer manufacturing yields - The interposer manufacturer was able to tune the tooling and assembly process on the custom connector, and yields are at the level required for production. The timing of production quantities is currently on track to meet our system production. We’re really excited about this connector, and will be sharing more detail in an upcoming blog post on how it enables GPU modularity.
Late display firmware update - We were able to roll out a new EDID into panel production that enables DCI-P3 correctly, and panel deliveries are on track for system production.
Ugh. You TEASE! You can’t put the word “Timing” in the header and not mention how we’re doing! Better? Worse? The suspense!
I was more patient until it became clear we’re gonna be bumping up against a long vacation (as I’ve seen at least one other person mention, and probably many more given the holiday season) and if it’s not gonna get here before I leave, I’m not sure what I wanna do about it. Is redirecting it last minute even an option? I can’t bear the thought of it sitting back home waiting 3 weeks for my return!
Wow. Another email so shortly, after just a couple of weeks. I am a bit speechless, this level of transparency and diligence to customers is unheard of at least for me. I have to admit, this is beyond awesome.
The bad news for Framework may be that it may affect their X-Mas holidays, as eager enthusiasts are waiting ;)… Not meant seriously of course, they should take all the time it takes and as we now know A LOT depends on suppliers.
Can you email Framework to see if they can schedule the delivery after you’re back? It seems like a reasonable ask especially since you’ve got vacation planned.