Framework and Google have announced the new Framework Notebook Chromebook Version. As the title indicates, this is an upgradable, customizable Chromebook from the same enterprise that place out the Framework notebook previous 12 months.
Person-upgradable laptops are exceptional sufficient now, but person-upgradable Chromebooks are nigh unheard of. Whilst the dimension of the audience for this kind of a system may well stay to be observed, it is undoubtedly a action in the suitable direction for repairability in the laptop room as a full.
Multiple elements of the Framework are consumer-customizable, however it’s not clear regardless of whether each individual portion that’s adjustable on the Home windows Framework can be adjusted on the Chromebook as effectively. Each individual section has a QR code on it which, if scanned, provides up the obtain website page for the part’s alternative.
Most excitingly (to me), the Chromebook Edition involves the similar expansion card process as the Home windows edition, this means you can choose the ports you want and where to set them. I never know of any other laptop, Windows or Chrome OS, wherever you can do this, and it’s simply my own most loved section of Framework’s design. You can opt for among USB-C, USB-A, microSD, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, significant-velocity storage, “and more,” for every the press release. HDMI, in unique, is a easy selection to have on a Chromebook.
You can also enhance memory and storage — I don’t always expect the want to bump RAM and storage to be as large for most Chromebook people as it is for Home windows customers, but the option will be there for people who want it.
The bezels are also swappable — they attach magnetically to the frame. All Framework bezels are compatible with the Chromebook Version, which means there are a number of diverse colors obtainable and you should very quickly be capable to snap them on and off.
Those are the only upgradable things listed in the press launch Google sent me. I’ve questioned if the relaxation of the chassis (the processor, in individual, as that is a large draw of the Windows laptop) will be upgradable. In reaction, Framework founder Nirav Patel claimed that the Chromebook Version is “directly compatible with most of the areas in the Framework Laptop ecosystem.”
All Framework bezels are suitable with the Chromebook Version
In other places, the Chromebook involves a 2256 x 1504 3:2 display and weighs 2.87 lbs . (1.3kg). Inside of is a 12th Gen Core i5-1240P (the processor is upgradable in the Home windows design, but there is no mention of that here). There’s a privateness switch to cut ability from the digital camera and microphones. But the main reason to buy this laptop computer, if preceding Framework versions are any indication, will be that you, as the person, can maintenance it.
Preorders commence nowadays in the US and Canada with a starting up cost of $999. Items are slated to ship in early December.
