One thing I’ve wondered about the FW is if it will look pretty much exactly the same 3, 5 or even 10 years down the line.

Not that I think theres anything wrong with the design (its just about perfect), but I wonder if FW will release a “new version” that isn’t fully swappable with the old version.

My guess would be they release a new “shell” that may or may not be compatible with the old motherboard, maybe smaller bezels, or whatever new thing is popular at the time. Maybe they just decide to release a very similar shell, but that is made from new materials with some minor changes that make things so that they arent fully backwards-compatible.

I think they’ll release updated boards for the old gen for maybe 2 generations before only making new board for the "new"design.

Im predicting this will happen in around 3-4 generations from now.

What do you think?

  • @CarpheadBEnglish
    1•7 months ago

    I’ve thought about this a lot before buying my AMD framework. The design is fairly dated now. It’s not as thin or light as I’d like to see in a late 2023 laptop but to me that’s acceptable for the flexibility of the expansion cards and only having to carry two extra cards (Ethernet and HDMI).

    But I would assume after the 16 is in production and released to the public then a redesign of the 13 will be on the cards. I would also assume they will keep the same motherboard design. Which ultimately is the point of framework, to reduce ewaste. Probably keep as many parts as possible from the existing model and offer the new chassis to existing customers?

    • @ShirleyMarquezBEnglish
      1•7 months ago

      The system can’t get much thinner so long as it still has socketed RAM, SSD, WiFi, etc. Systems that are even thinner lack those things, so they are anathema to Framework’s philosophy of being repairable and upgradeable.

    • @sugadugadugaOPBEnglish
      1•7 months ago

      I agree I dont have many gripes with the current chassis. I still use my T480s, which is big and heavy compared to todays thin and lights - but its completely fine for me - and if I could keep upgrading that laptop I would.

      I think my biggest gripe with FW at the moment is it just kind of looks cheap. I havent felt it, so I cant comment, but im a snob about build materials and keyboard, so I havent decided to spend the money on a FW yet.

      If they came out with an “upgraded” chassis that makes the old one look like a toy Id get one for sure.

      For now im waiting untuil I can get one used for cheap.