The New Framework Laptop 16 has a replaceable keyboard, an upgradeable GPU, and other features

Photo Credit: TechCrunch Today, Framework, the manufacturer of the modular Framework Laptop 13, unveiled a new design. Built on Framework's philosophy of repairability and upgradeability, the Framework Laptop 16 is a 16-inch laptop. The Framework Laptop 16 features a swappable keyboard and an expansion slot for adding new graphics cards. Today, Framework unveiled the Framework Laptop 16, a 16-inch laptop that continues Framework's reputation for being repairable and upgradeable. The Laptop 16 is composed of three main components: an Expansion Bay system, an Input Module system, and Framework's well-known Expansion Card system. Photo Credit: The New York Times The Framework Laptop 16 has a user-swappable keyboard made up of different-sized Input Modules (capitalized by Framework). Mini, Medium, and Large modules, each of which is compatible with the Laptop 16, were emphasized by the Framework. Tiny modules are made for specialized tasks like haptic sliders or color tweaking. Numeric keypads, macro pads, and even a separate display are examples of Medium modules. Huge modules may be entire keyboards that give the system some RGB flair. All of the input modules may be quickly replaced and are controlled by a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller. The firmware for the microcontroller has been made available by Framework so that others can create their own modules. According to Framework, users can incorporate "jog wheels, sliders, touchscreen displays, e-ink notepads, smartcard readers, and more" into an input module. It can be included into an input module as long as it doesn't exceed the height restriction of 3.7 mm. The Extension Bay mechanism is arguably the Framework Laptop 16's best feature. In essence, this is a PCIe x8 customizable interface that can accommodate different expansion cards. Framework provided a number of examples, such as a twin M.2 SSD card with 16 TB of extra storage, video capturing equipment, and upgradeable Graphics cards. Many laptop fans are intrigued by this final point. Several businesses, like Alienware, have attempted to create a laptop with an upgradeable GPU but quickly abandoned the project. Although these are extremely uncommon, some manufacturers have occasionally sold laptops with MXM graphics cards that could be taken out and theoretically changed. The Expansion Bay system documentation has been made available by Framework, which can persuade businesses (or individuals) to develop their own swappable GPUs. Photo Credit: The New York Times Similar to the Framework Laptop 13, the Laptop 16 will have the company's Expansion Card technology, which enables customers to slickly add any I/O they desire by inserting small I/O cards into the side-mounted USB4 ports. Also, the new Audio Expansion Card, which can be switched out for a USB port, has been added to the Laptop 16 in place of the 3.5 mm audio jack. Users can select between analog audio or a USB connector for connecting a USB headset thanks to this. The Framework Laptop 16's price and availability haven't been revealed yet, but Framework plans to start distributing the first machines in the second half of 2023.