At the moment nobody can say. Framework in general only announces close to when new products and parts can be pre-ordered / ordered (including new keyboard options, expansion cards, etc.)
This has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Main advantage that they really want to make sure they can deliver on what they announce & promise. Biggest disadvantage definitely that we don’t know until right before something is officially announced.
I’ve come to accept that. My personal approach with Framework is that I happily take what’s available and just don’t if something is a deal breaker. I very very much wish there was a backlit keyboard option. At the end of the day I know that all things considered it’s not a deal-breaker to me. So I’m still getting the initial FW12 and will upgrade the keyboard if this option becomes available in the future.
Yooo, that would be amazing… I kinda compromised there and combined a Bubblegum chassis with lavender expansion cards and keyboard; now I’m wondering if I should get a lavender stylus as well instead of Bubblegum. Eh… If this turns out well I’ll probably get a lavender 12 as a portable server as well, so I’ll get the matching complementary colors then.
You’ve inspired me. Ordered a mix of lavendar and translucent purple USB-C cards to go with the Sage laptop.
Hard to know how it looks in person though, and part of me thinks I should choose one instead of mixing and matching, but I wanted some strong purple colours to match some of the other flowers I’ve seen!
I just checked the prices out of curiosity. All 3 4 parts would set me back 125 157 EUR, oof.
I’m not trying to frame Framework (err, pun not intended actually) as nickel-and-diming us, I just feel that this is quite the amount you would have to pay just to change the look of the Laptop. But as opinions go: to each their own.
edit: forgot the hinges! So the total grows to 157 EUR
It wouldn’t even have to be too complicated, I think; just change the colors, ports, and accessories, and either have the image be manipulatable or use a slideshow with various angles!
Oddly enough you can’t choose the touchpad separate from the rest of the keyboard during pre-order. The only layout they have in lavender comes with American English.
True, but I don’t think you can get it while customizing the laptop during purchase; you’d have to either buy the parts individually and assemble it yourself, or buy the machine first, then the touchpad separately, at which point you’ve got two touchpads.
Also, you can’t seem to get the rest of the keyboard at the moment, which seems a little strange…
@benstor214 I did just that with the framework 13 (build 100% from parts), except before they offered the chassis kit. It did cost me more, but I have a deeper attachment to it. Sometimes it’s totally worth it to color outside of the lines. The framework 13 I built after that was from the chassis, so both were built outside of the DIY kit.
This isn’t like replacing the hubcaps on your car. The components you are talking about are structurally crucial components of the laptop. 157 Euro to replace the exterior shell and hinges is actually pretty cheap.
If you want it cheaper, let me introduce you to dbrand.
You must have missed the part right before the quote (the part of the comment you cut out of the quote ).
Here it is again:
Not willing to critic Framework for the prices implies that I have an understanding of how they came to be. Or is this obvious to me only?
If I had insinuated that the justification for the prices eluded me, your explanation would have been more than welcomed.
I kind of feel painted as a dummy for unwarranted reasons…
Absolutely NOT my intention. My point was being made for anybody reading your post and thinking that they were simply getting plastic plates that were overpriced. They are really much more than that.
As this may be a language barrier thing*, let me just assure you, that no malice was meant by my post, and that nothing I wrote, would imply that you are a dummy. Honestly!
Additionally, for anybody else who feels that the cost of these components are too much, learning about using skins from dbrand, for example, is a valuable alternative that is worth sharing.
‘* - something I am very familiar with, for example, when I am speaking German as it is a second language for me. I have nothing but immense respect for any who can speak more than one langauge.’
Looking back at my comment, this part could have been phrased more clearly.
What I meant was:
If your sole purpose is to change the look of your laptop, then the total cost will be a little high.
Considering that these are structural parts, the material cost will be the lion’s share of the price.
You basically would have to replace half (of the weight) of your laptop to change it’s color. DISCLAIMER: This is a statement of a fact only. I invite the reader to check the facts in the store. This is NOT an expression of opinion, feeling or judgment. The statement DOES NOT inform how I feel about the fact. DO NOT try to deduce from this sole statement whether I am happy about the fact or not! The information just isn’t there.
@2disbetter : Are you in any way affiliated with dbrand?
This is true, but I am happy about this, because I prefer durability and a rigid frame in my laptops. Considering the education market was the arena these laptops were originally intended for, having replaceable quick change color plates would have been a nightmare for school administrators, etc. It also would have added to the overall weight of the product while making it feel less quality. These would have been broken all the time by the kids, and it just would have been a huge liability for these schools.
Nope, not in anyway. Just really happy with their products. Have used them for about 8 laptops at this point.
Eh… If this turns out well I’ll probably get a lavender 12 as a portable server as well, so I’ll get the matching complementary colors then. 
)
).