Framework Disrupts Tech Again with Four New Product Innovations
Framework, the company known for its focus on repairable and upgradeable electronics, has just dropped a bombshell, announcing four significant new products. This move comes just days before their biggest event, giving early investors and tech enthusiasts a sneak peek at what’s next. The company is pushing boundaries with a new Pro laptop model, an updated gaming laptop, a versatile GPU expansion module, and a surprising new product category.
At the forefront is the new Framework 13 Pro, a premium version of their popular laptop. It boasts a sleek, CNC aluminum chassis, similar to what you find in high-end Apple devices.
This Pro model also packs a larger 74 watt-hour battery, offering a 21% boost in capacity. New speaker modules and a much-anticipated 2.8K touchscreen display complete the package, finally bringing a highly requested feature to the Framework lineup.
Framework 13 Pro: A Premium, Customizable Experience
The Framework 13 Pro isn’t just about a new look; it’s about enhanced performance and user experience. The new chassis feels more solid and premium, a noticeable step up from previous models.
The 2.8K display is a significant upgrade, featuring a bright 700 nits peak brightness and a unique matte finish that excels in reducing glare, even in direct sunlight. This custom-designed panel shows Framework’s commitment to detailed engineering.
Under the hood, the Framework 13 Pro offers choices for its mainboard. You can opt for the Intel Core Ultra Series 3, which includes LP-DDR5x memory for speed and PCIe Gen 5 support for faster SSDs.
Alternatively, the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series is also available for those who prefer AMD’s platform. Excitingly, Framework maintains its commitment to cross-compatibility, allowing users to swap mainboards between different chassis generations, a rarity in the laptop market.
Framework 16 Gets a Price Cut and Performance Boost
The Framework 16, their powerful gaming and creative laptop, is also receiving a refresh. This update includes a more affordable Ryzen 5 version, making it more accessible.
New input modules, like single-piece haptic trackpads and keyboards, offer a cleaner aesthetic. The company is also highlighting community-developed input modules, showcasing the flexibility of the Framework platform for custom projects.
This refresh aims to provide a great option for users wanting a larger screen, a bigger trackpad, or dedicated graphics without the highest CPU cost. The flexibility of the Framework 16’s modular design continues to be a major draw for users who want to tailor their machine exactly to their needs.
Expand Your Horizons with the Oculink Expansion Bay
Perhaps the most ambitious announcement is the Oculink expansion bay module for the Framework 16. This module allows users to connect virtually any GPU to their laptop.
By using Oculink, which provides a direct PCIe connection, Framework bypasses the protocol overhead found in Thunderbolt, offering significantly better performance for external GPUs. Tech articles have shown Oculink to be up to 36% better than Thunderbolt 5 for eGPU performance.
While Oculink lacks some of the user-friendly features of Thunderbolt, like hot-plugging, Framework is positioning this as a developer kit. This opens up massive possibilities for users who need desktop-class graphics power on the go. The company also introduced a new 10 Gigabit Ethernet expansion card, adding another connectivity option for demanding users.
A Surprising New Category: The Framework Keyboard
In an unexpected turn, Framework has also launched a new mechanical keyboard. This isn’t just any keyboard; it’s designed with Framework’s core values in mind.
It features the same key switch and touchpad architecture as their laptops, offering a premium typing experience. The keyboard uses an ultra-power-efficient Nordic NRF54 radio for long battery life and includes a clever built-in dongle garage, perfect for laptop users.
The keyboard’s firmware is fully open-sourced, and Framework is releasing its surface CAD files for custom 3D-printed accessories. They are even making the control board available as a developer board. This approach ensures that the keyboard, like their laptops, is repairable and adaptable, fitting perfectly into the Framework philosophy.
Looking Ahead: TVs and Printers on the Horizon?
When asked about future product categories, Framework’s CEO hinted that TVs and printers are the top two consumer requests. While they ran out of space on their current product announcement table, these categories align perfectly with Framework’s mission of repairability and upgradability. The company’s approach to product development is driven by consumer frustration, and these are areas where such frustration is common.
Framework’s continued innovation and expansion into new product areas demonstrate a strong commitment to their vision. The company is not just building products; they are building a platform for users to customize, repair, and upgrade their technology for years to come. Framework’s latest announcements solidify their position as a leader in the movement towards more sustainable and user-friendly electronics.
Specs & Key Features
- Framework 13 Pro: CNC aluminum chassis, 74Wh battery, 2.8K touchscreen, 700 nits peak brightness, matte anti-glare display, Intel Core Ultra Series 3 or AMD Ryzen AI 300 mainboards, LP-DDR5x memory, PCIe Gen 5 support.
- Framework 16 Refresh: New Ryzen 5 version, single-piece haptic input modules, updated design, community-developed modules available.
- Oculink Expansion Bay: Connects full-size desktop GPUs via Oculink 8i, up to 128 Gbits/sec bidirectional throughput, supports high-performance eGPU setups.
- Framework Keyboard: Mechanical key structure, integrated haptic touchpad, NRF54 radio, USB-C and dongle connectivity, open-source firmware and CAD files, replaceable battery, developer board option.
- Battery Mags: New modular battery bank system with replaceable battery packs and upgradeable firmware/reconfigurable chemistries.
Who Should Care?
Tech enthusiasts who value customization, repairability, and longevity will find these new products incredibly exciting. The Framework 13 Pro is perfect for professionals and students seeking a premium, upgradeable laptop.
The Framework 16 refresh and Oculink expansion bay cater to gamers and creators needing powerful, adaptable systems. The new keyboard appeals to anyone who appreciates a high-quality, customizable typing experience with a focus on open-source principles.
Availability and Pricing
Framework has not yet released specific pricing or exact availability dates for all new products, citing market volatility for components like memory and storage. However, they have committed to honoring the price at the time of pre-order for the Framework 13 Pro. The company plans to share more details soon, with pre-orders expected to open shortly.
Source: I Should Have Invested MORE in Framework (YouTube)
