The interwebs are abuzz with a presentation earlier this week by Framework of the eponymous laptop. I thought there might be some Framework enthusiasts amongst us who tuned in, since Framework is sort-of Refrom-adjacent. In approximate order of unveiling, they launched:
- New motherboard options for the 13" (main model). They are going all-in with AMD as their chip provider. I remember when they started with intel and a massive campaign started to get Framework to offer AMD. AMD has now eaten Framework, IMO.
- So-called single key modules - a sop to the maker community who may (finally!) be able to make unorthodox format input decks.
- Their Desktop: basically a compact gamer machine with some modularity and a neat interchangeable tile design front, so you can make it your own with little effort, but also with soldered-in RAM (as per MNT compute modules). Basically designed around a new AMD chip. This was the weakest part of the presentation where some boffin from AMD’s “AI” efforts came in and bored us all with mandatory “AI” hype (if the live comments were anything to go by).
- The 12" model. This is probably the most interesting thing announced and has a 180 degree hinge. These will sell like hotcakes.
All told it was a mixed bag. Many are confused particularly about the Desktop. But for me the big question it raises is where next for the 13" model. It currently sits between the 12" and the 16" but IMO is far closer to the former. I would expect its replacement with a brand new chassis that builds upon the concepts of the 16" in the next year or so.
Did anyone else have any strong thoughts on the new range?