Introducing the Framework Laptop computer 16
We’re excited to share our subsequent main product class, a high-performance 16” pocket book, the Framework Laptop computer 16. Not solely does the Framework Laptop computer 16 carry ahead all the identical design philosophy round improve, restore, and customization from the Framework Laptop 13 at a considerably greater efficiency level, but it surely additionally brings in two new module ecosystems: a totally reconfigurable enter deck and modular, upgradeable graphics. This permits an unbelievable vary of use instances and deep personalization for players, creators, engineers, and extra. We’ll be sharing full specs, pricing, and availability once we open pre-orders on the Framework Laptop computer 16 this spring, forward of shipments in late 2023. For extra updates on our Framework Laptop computer 16 growth journey, you’ll be able to sign up for our newsletter. What we’re releasing at the moment is a preview to let builders get began with our open supply design documentation.
Enter Module system
When beginning the design of a bigger display screen laptop computer, one of many key questions was: Numpad, or no numpad? After performing some market analysis, we discovered there’s virtually precisely a 50/50 cut up between individuals who love and wish numpads and individuals who hate them. We used this as a possibility to not solely allow you to choose your choice there, but in addition fully customise the enter expertise.
With the Framework Laptop computer 16, choices for the enter system are practically limitless. Enter Modules are hot-swappable, making it straightforward so that you can reconfigure at any time. Enter modules are available in three sizes – Small, Medium (Numpad Modules), and Massive (Keyboard Modules). Most of the Small module choices allow coloration customization, but it surely’s additionally doable to construct practical modules like an LED Matrix or haptic slider. For Medium modules, along with numpads, secondary shows and macro pads are workable. For Massive modules, we’re growing each common backlit keyboards in a variety of languages and an RGB backlit model.
We’ve additionally launched open supply firmware primarily based on QMK keyboard software that runs on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller that a lot of our Enter Modules make the most of.
With an open supply design, we are able to’t wait to see the unbelievable modules that the neighborhood creates: jog wheels, sliders, touchscreen shows, e-ink notepads, smartcard readers, and extra. Actually, virtually something could be created into an Enter Module. The one restrict is your creativeness, and the three.7mm peak constraints.
Enlargement Bay system
With the Framework Laptop computer 16, we’re delivering on a dream that many have given up on: upgradeable, modular graphics in a high-performance pocket book. With the Enlargement Bay system, it’s doable to improve Graphics Modules independently of the remainder of the laptop computer. Since Enlargement Bay modules can prolong the laptop computer in each thickness and depth, we’ve immense design flexibility to deal with era over era modifications in mechanical, thermal, and electrical necessities for GPUs.
On prime of that, the PCIe x8 interface allows a variety of different non-graphics use instances that want each excessive energy and excessive pace. For instance, we’ve developed a twin M.2 SSD card that may drop into an Enlargement Bay Shell, permitting for an extra 16TB of storage. For the reason that documentation for this interface is open supply, builders have freedom to create wonderful modules on it, like card readers, video seize units, AI accelerators, SDR radios, and extra.
Enlargement Card system
The Framework Laptop computer 16 additionally brings within the Enlargement Card system from the Framework Laptop computer 13, letting you select which ports you’d like on either side together with including different performance like excessive pace storage. We’ve enabled three Enlargement Playing cards on either side. We’ve additionally changed the fastened 3.5mm headphone jack with a brand new Audio Enlargement Card, letting you select analog audio when you’d like or swap it for a port when you’re utilizing a USB or wi-fi headset.
Developer documentation
Developer documentation is accessible on GitHub at the moment for all three programs: Input Modules, Expansion Bay Modules, and Expansion Cards. By open-sourcing our designs early, we’re enabling the creation of a strong and vibrant ecosystem of modules to accompany the launch of the Framework Laptop computer 16. Sooner or later, we’ll even be opening the Framework Market to 3rd celebration module makers, enabling each people and firms to take part instantly within the ecosystem.
The Framework Laptop computer 16 is supposed to be a platform of prospects. Whether or not you’re a gamer, developer, heavy Linux person, creator, or produce other performance-demanding work, the Framework Laptop computer 16 is constructed to be custom-made to your wants.