After the success of the Laptop 13, Framework returns with a new challenge: the Laptop 16. The challenge is even more ambitious. We now know the pricing of this Laptop 16 and The Verge had a chance to dig into it.
Framework Laptop 16 // Source: The Verge
After Framework’s first Laptop 13, the American startup continues its momentum with a second product: the Laptop 16. Available for pre-order today, this device takes personalization to a whole new level, well beyond the framework of memory and storage.
The main feature of the Laptop 16, as the name suggests, is of course its larger size with its 16-inch diagonal. However, this is only the beginning of the list of new features. This new laptop is even more customizable than its predecessor and allows for the replacement of almost every component. Not just memory and storage, but every single port, motherboard, battery, speaker, and more. And that’s like the first 13.5-inch laptop. The rest is brand new.
Framework Laptop 16 // Source: Framework
Arguably one of the most impressive features of the Laptop 16 is its fully modular keyboard. Composed of detachable parts similar to Lego bricks, it gives you unprecedented freedom of customization. Want to align your keyboard and trackpad to the right, left, or center? No problem. Want to add a pop of color? Simply. Need a numeric keypad? Just slide it into place. And how about a dazzling array of LEDs to add an aesthetic touch to the whole thing? The modular slats of the Framework 16 make it possible.
It’s definitely the icing on the cake in the framework expansion slot. This feature allows a dedicated mobile GPU to be inserted into the laptop. Even better, you can add an extra pair of SSDs later this year.
First impressions of the laptop 16
According to The Verge, who had the opportunity to pick up this new notebook, the Laptop 16 has an impressive dedicated GPU: a Radeon RX 7700S with 8 GB of GDDR6 memory at 18 Gbps and a total power of 100 W. This makes the device perfect for gaming.
Framework Laptop 16 // Source: The Verge
There’s no denying that developing the Laptop 16 was a real challenge for Framework given the sheer number of customization options. However, this scalability requires some technical expertise, even more than with the 13.5-inch version. The Verge has some concerns about the accessibility of this customization, scalability, and repair.
If you’re using this laptop’s optional GPU, you’ll also be using a pair of 75mm Cooler Master fans. And if you look closely as you slide them into the case, you’ll see that they cool not just the GPU, but the entire PC.
Another issue, cooling, seems to be a point that needs improvement, which will be crucial for the performance of the device. According to American media, autonomy will also be an issue to keep in mind. This will need to be verified when the Laptop 16 is released as it was already a subject of discussion with the first Laptop Framework.
Framework Laptop 16 // Source: The Verge
“Framework 16 allows for the replacement and potential upgrade of the entire GPU,” but The Verge has concerns about the promises of dedicated GPU scalability. Despite the Framework and AMD’s announcement of their willingness to support GPU scalability, they could not officially guarantee this possibility. This could present a hurdle for users who are considering buying the Laptop 16 primarily for its expandability potential. However, keep in mind that the Laptop 13 benefited from new generations of Intel processors and also benefited from an AMD option as promised by Framework. Hopefully that will be the case with the Laptop 16 as well.
Availability and prices of the laptop 16
The first copies are delivered from the fourth quarter of 2023, or the end of the year. As usual, Framework offers two prices: the first, 1,579 euros, consists of buying its SSD, RAM and installing Windows 11 yourself. That’s what they call DIY for Do It Yourself. Everything is included in the second price of 1,919 euros. We’re talking about an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU, 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) of RAM and 512 GB of storage. The PC is fully assembled and working.
You can opt for multiple configurations, all the way up to an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU, 1TB of data, and 32GB of RAM… for $2,369. So at these prices, you’re telling yourself you’re entitled to a dedicated GPU. Well no. The expansion module with AMD Radeon RX 7700S is sold for 450 euros more. Either a minimum configuration, equipped with a dedicated GPU, for 2,369 euros. You can then modify and add modules according to your needs.
As you can see, the prices are salty. But it’s certainly the price one has to pay to benefit from a unique laptop on the market. Still, there’s still a lot to discover and test before we can give a final opinion. The laptop’s modular capabilities look particularly impressive and the swappable GPU shows promise, but the device’s future success will largely depend on Framework’s ability to support and further develop this system of modularity. It shouldn’t disappoint either for its performance or for its autonomy.
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