Live data from Hacker News

Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

frame.work

11–20 of 26 posts

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#11
post #10
post #2

I'm happy to answer any questions folks have around this product. We've released all of the main specifications at this point, along with documentation and CAD on GitHub for the new module systems.

Why is it taking so long for Framework's products to become available in other countries? It's been more than two years and three product generations + an entirely new product, and you still can't even pre-order in the vast majority of regions. There are plenty of electronics products on Kickstarter that can be ordered from dozens of countries even while the product is still in development, so why is this so difficul…

We shared in an earlier blog post some of what goes into setting up infrastructure for new countries: https://frame.work/blog/scaling-up-infrastructure

On Kickstarters specifically, I have worked in a company that made the mistake of not limiting country availability, and ran into the massive downstream problems with that afterwards: products blocked at customs due to missing certifications or registrations, along with tax issues and penalties.

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#12
their servers are overloaded, but you can follow the news here:

https://twitter.com/FrameworkPuter

or here:

https://fosstodon.org/@frameworkcomputer

... depending on your social tech.

the actual post is also on archive.is now:

A pretty bad snapshot resides at:

https://archive.ph/fcY1H

a somewhat working one is at IA:

https://web.archive.org/web/20230718144114/https://frame.wor...

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#13
Honestly, it was much cheaper than I had assumed it would be. A pre-built "performance" version starts at $1,699 (Ryzen 7 7840HS) with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. Compare that to the entry 16 inch MacBook Pro at $2499.

The "overkill" system with a Ryzen 9 7940HS, 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD is $2099. A pseudo comparison to the 16 inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro, 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD is $3099.

Also these systems are cheaper if done DIY and no Windows tax. Framework really might have a winner if this system can live up to their promises.

The verge also has a deep dive into the system https://www.theverge.com/22665800/framework-laptop-16-hands-...

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#14
post #9
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Looks like the site and store are getting the hug of death. People really want this! Is your manufacturing going to be able to keep up with demand?

Apparently! Part of why we do pre-orders is to get a good read on demand early enough to adjust our production capacity. Our main manufacturing partner is Compal, who is one of the three largest laptop manufacturer in the world, so we have headroom to be able to continue to scale up.

Finally got the system to accept my pre-order, but landed in Batch 2. Oh well, worth the wait I'm sure!

This is really amazing. You're the only laptop giving Apple a run for their money.

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#15
post #12

their servers are overloaded, but you can follow the news here: https://twitter.com/FrameworkPuter or here: https://fosstodon.org/@frameworkcomputer ... depending on your social tech. the actual post is also on archive.is now: A pretty bad snapshot resides at: https://archive.ph/fcY1H a somewhat working one is at IA: https://web.archive.org/web/20230718144114/https://frame.wor...

The site should be back up and running (though slightly slowly) now. We had substantially higher load than we've seen even during previous pre-order launches.

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#16
Word for those who'd like to pre-order as well - Create your account _before_ ordering. Perhaps this was just a one-off issue I had, but I tried setting up an account whilst ordering, as the website suggested, and it erred, charging my card but not sending me any receipt or creating any account, AFAICT. It may be that it's just a fluke, but you may as well be cautious.

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#17
post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think I remember seeing in an LTT video, mention of possibly using the expansion slot as an additional battery input. I didn't know if that was a possible direction considering the tech specs mainly focus on the 8x interface. Having bought a thinkpad for that exact purpose of an extra swappable battery, that would be a big boon if it was possible (even if you can't comment on a specific road map).

We've designed the Expansion Bay module system to be able to handle power bi-directionally. One of the main reasons for this was to enable secondary batteries. This specific module isn't something we've shared any plans around, but it's something that either we or a third party would be able to build. https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/ExpansionBay

Does the empty expansion bay shell have provisions for mounting other things inside, like an m.2 expansion?

Or would those have to come as a separate expansion module?

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#19
post #2

I'm happy to answer any questions folks have around this product. We've released all of the main specifications at this point, along with documentation and CAD on GitHub for the new module systems.

Will production units be shipped to review outlets ahead of the first batch? I was really impressed with the keyboard options! Is the keyboard also going to be programmable?

On a completely unrelated note in the factory tour it was shown that the DIY versions are disassembled. I'm curious what the process is for the parts that are removed. Do they get put back into the production like, sent back to the manufacturer, or?

Re: Framework Laptop 16 pre-orders are now open

#20
post #18

When I click "Add pre-order to bag" it tells me "Please make a selection for each option." I have quadruple-checked, and I have definitely made a selection for each option. What gives? Take my money!

Is this a DIY Edition or a pre-built configuration?

Could you also write into support (though note that response may be delayed)? If you are logged into an account, the team should also be able to check the configuration that is in progress to see what is missing: https://framework.kustomer.help/contact/support-request-ryon...

Post reply on HN