Framework is gaining lots of applause for its uniquely modular laptop designs, and the larger 16-inch model turned heads by adding a discrete graphics card option. Now you can customize it even more—because the company has published open-source Computer Aided Design (CAD) files. Modders, warm up those 3D printers!
The idea is to get independent creators and engineers on board, expanding on the company’s already extensive list of interchangeable parts and modules available for direct sale. With all the data on the chassis and other hardware available, anyone with the know-how can customize pretty much anything they want.
Framework has already done the same for its 13-inch laptop (likewise posted to Github and spotted by Liliputing), which has already born some interesting fruit. Examples include this built-from-scratch Windows-powered tablet and Cooler Master’s $40 case that turns an older Framework motherboard into a tiny, upgradeable desktop PC.
Theoretically, the Framework Laptop 16 offers even more options, thanks to additional room for the AMD discrete mobile graphics card (currently a Radeon RX 7700S, possibly more options in the future) and extra input modules around the keyboard. We’ll have to wait and see what the community cooks up.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.