I’m thinking a router would be pretty good: a router chassis kit that you can put the framework mobo into that works with open wrt.
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this right here is gold
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4.5" phone PLEASE
I want it to fit into my hand really easily and not be an ipad im carrying around in my pocket.
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Pretty much already done? OpenWRT has an x64 image that’ll work already and you could slap a mainboard into the mainboard case. The only thing left is to attach some 10Gbe thunderbolt NICs and boom, you got a pimped out router/switch. Now if you wanted it to be an Access Point along with being a router/switch similar to consumer grade stuff, that’s marginally harder. I’ve never really messed about with setting NICs into AP mode and such but I can’t imagine it’s too much harder.
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I don’t know. Using the Framework Mainboard JUST to be a router seems like huge overkill. I mean if the mainboard could be extended with a bunch of ethernet ports and had some massive workloads to route sure. But just to be used as a home router? Massive massive overkill.
Still it’s your mainboard and you SHOULD do whatever you want with it. Just doesn’t make much sense to me.
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maybe also could be used as a simple server integrated into the router??? idk
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I actually came here wondering if this suggestion were feasible to DIY using Framework components (not that I would have the time to make it) then I saw this thread so may as well suggest my idea here.
A number of years ago I backed a kickstarter for a portable keyboard/monitor.
Basically a laptop case that contained a monitor, keyboard and battery that could be plugged into any system or single board computer (I wanted it for a Raspberry Pi).
The kickstarter was actually delivered, which is when I realised the UK used a different keyboard layout which made it harder for me to use. 
So my product suggestion would be a frame (frame.work.frame 
) to utilize the parts Framework already manufacture to build such a device. So we can choose the keyboard layout and monitor we want. It could also allow additional components to be added, such a webcam, or USB hub if desired.
My suggestion would be to provide a version with usb 2 & hdmi inputs and one with usb 3 (basically a USB C docking station that includes the monitor and keyboard). If the inputs could be made in the same form factor as the existing output modules they would allow the basic frame to be purchased, and switched between these two versions as needed.
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I would like a keyboard with a trackpoint in the middle of it, like Thinkpads has.
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Framework dongle for users who want custom IO but have to use mac or whatever
Something crazy just came to mind:
Can you build a laptop diagnostic / disassembly / assembly line for the FL13 and FL16…like in IronMan. You drop in a FL13 laptop at one end, and it finds and fixes / replace whatever issue…and out with a fully functional / certified unit at the other end.
You know…the suit up and un-suit scenes:
framework, PLEASE I BEG OF YOU commission me to do this
Beyond laptop:
Turn Framework batteries into flat powerbanks
I hate the fact that I own dozens of powerbanks and most of them I can’t use.
The ports get out-of-date and/or the batteries die and they can’t be repaired.
Gen 1:
- USB-C (C1) [Input / Output]
- USB-C (C2)
- USB-A (A1) [Maybe]
- Q2 Charging Pad
Bonus:
A magnetic add-on that turns the power bank into a portable bluetooth / airplay speaker
Tablet, made out of framework 13 parts.
As seen in the community, with the right display and case, a framework laptop could be turned into a tablet.
Maybe just a foldable would do.
This might be probably the most repairable tablet.
Gaming Handheld, also made out of framework parts running SteamOS
The framework is also a great candidate to turn into a gaming handheld (also seen in the community).
The Controllers Connect via USB-C.
Form-factor similar to Steam Deck / Nintendo Switch.
Router
At some point I’ll have more than one framework compatible mainboard in my household.
Would be nice to have a case with some RJ45 ports to repurpose the board as an OpenWRT based router.
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Well, after that video we have to ask frame.work to make an Iron Man Suit. 
hire me already nirav patel /j
I want my iron man suit with hot swappable IO
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A NAS or a Router, however there are good products out there for tinkerers.
Though one annoyance I have in the conusmer “electronics” are that there arn’t any good decent cordless beard trimmers that are repairable, have standard batteries such as 18650 that you easliy can swap an ar charged by USB-C and not some shitty expensive proprietary charger, that you (I) forget at an hotel all the time. Going from laptops to beard trimmers are a bit of an strech though.
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Has the Framework team considered developing a desktop screen for folks to use when they dock at home or the office?
Not sure if this is the correct forum, but seems like there would be overlap with some expertise framework already has in sourcing screens for the laptops.
Plus it feels like the state of the basic monitor market has become so enshitified there is room for a vendor like framework to innovate. Some vendors are so focused on pumping out new SKUs, that basic firmware issues remain unfixed.
As an example of an initial offering:
- 27" - 1440p or 4k
- IPS - Avoid OLED due to wear problems, at least initially.
- 144/160Hz - Using a modern IPS panel, good for office work. Even some gaming.
- Mini LED array - IPS may be chosen for durability, but compensate a little with good local dimming.
- Firmware - Framework written or at least framework-adopted. This way your team can fix bugs and ship improvements to image processing logic as time goes on.
- To the extent possible, use separate logic boards for the panel specific circuitry, image processing DSP/FPGA, and input decoding.
On that last point, for example you could eventually sell an OLED panel for folks that want it. Plus if there is burn-in they again just replace the panel. On the input side maybe there eventually is an upgrade for KVM or newer DP/HDMI standards.
Without going on to even more specifics, I’m curious if the framework folks have already considered this sort of thing. Can someone comment?
Thank you!
David
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I absolutely love the mission of Framework and own a Framework 13. However, I have to say one thing.
After 5 years, painted USB-C pass through (effectively just wires) is all you could come up with?
I’d love to see:
- GPS+IMU+barometer module
- 5G modem module
- Dual, triple USB-C module (no PD, no displayport OK, just launch something)
- A Pico projector (shitty is fine – 80x60, I don’t care, launch something)
- A shitty motor that turns my laptop into a robot
Here’s the deal – I’m a software engineer, I can’t design PCBs, I’ve seen so much discussion and designs on this forum about all these modules but after 5 years we still can’t buy any of them in mass production.
I urge the Framework team to release some official modules that are not painted versions of a no-op USB-C “module”. At the very least, the first 3 on my list would be VASTLY useful for a lot of people, and would make Framework hugely stand out as a continued laptop choice among the competition going forward.
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It’s a little unfair to ignore the Ethernet Expansion card, and the in-progress full sized SD expansion in addition to the updates made to the HDMI and DisplayPort Expansion cards. While I agree that it would be great to see other new expansion cards, the Framework team has been making a lot more than just shell changes.
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Yup. In fact, these have been available for a while now. I have one of them
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Most cameras already support plugging in a USB cable directly instead of needing to take the SD card out. This is stuff that was relevant 5 years ago, not so much now.
Ethernet is great, but laptops had that 15 years ago, it shouldn’t have taken them that long to produce that either. I really wish we had more innovative modules coming out on a regular basis.
Also, it would be nice if there were more than one webcam option. A LIDAR, depth camera, stereo camera, infrared camera, come on, this is the kind of stuff that would make Framework the unique laptop. More than one screen option too. A eInk screen would be great.
This is a for-profit company competing with Lenovo, Dell, and Apple, not a FOSS project. As a customer I would be much happier if the innovation could be kept up to that standard, and if a greater fraction of user requests could actually be attended to, acted upon, and delivered on the official store than is currently being done.
IMO the Framework team should be striving to beat the living crap out of those competitors in allowing people to have customizable laptops that those companies simply cannot deliver.