Framework, the startup that has become the standard-bearer for repairable electronics, is finding that the path to a truly modular laptop is paved with unexpected physical frictions. In its latest update to the Laptop 16, the company is addressing a peculiar ergonomic flaw: the gaps between its swappable input modules were known to occasionally snag users’ arm hairs. To solve this, Framework is introducing an all-in-one trackpad and keyboard cover, smoothing over the literal seams of its design while upgrading the trackpad to the haptic model found in its new Laptop 13 Pro.
Beyond these tactile refinements, the company is expanding the utility of its expansion card system. Responding to long-standing user demand, Framework is launching a 10GB Ethernet card, alongside a more accessible entry-level model of the Laptop 16 powered by a Ryzen 5 mainboard. It is a move that suggests the company is maturing, looking to balance its high-end modular ambitions with the practical needs of enterprise users and budget-conscious enthusiasts alike.
Perhaps most significant for the future of the platform is the unveiling of an OCuLink Dev Kit. Designed for the Laptop 16’s rear expansion slot, the prototype board uses OCuLink 8i to provide a direct, high-bandwidth connection to the motherboard. This opens the door for robust external GPU configurations, allowing the laptop to transcend its portable constraints when docked. By focusing on these granular hardware interfaces, Framework continues to build an ecosystem where longevity is not just a feature, but a design philosophy.
With reporting from Engadget.
Source · Engadget
