Who know if Google will ever make another Pixelbook ? But ChromeOS is getting something unspoilt : modularity . Framework , the company behind the swappable modular laptop , hasannouncedthe Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition . It costs $ 1000 for the base model and boast the same customization and repairability as theoriginal variant , which runs Windows and Linux .
The laptop is usable for pre - order in the U.S. and Canada , though lading will start sometime in the winter . Framework says it ’s using a muckle pre - order system , so you ’ll have to pitchfork over a refundable $ 100 deposit to get your place in blood line . The Framework replacement parts will also be useable for pre - order in the marketplace .
count at the specification sheet , the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition appears well - fit out . The 13.5 - inch screen has a 3:2 showing , which works with ChromeOS ’s particular screen background surroundings . It comes with a twelfth - gen Intel Core i5 - 1240P mainframe , up to 64 GB of RAM , and 1 TB of reposition . The pre - build model come with 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage , which should be enough for a basic , daylight - to - day life with a Chromebook . Of course , if you settle to increase the tup or storage later on — maybe you ’re a developer and need more memory — that ’s configurable with sold - separately modules . The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition also get with a 30W battery charger .
Finally, Framework Laptops run Chrome OS.Image: Framework
The marquee feature article of the Framework laptop is its modularity , and the company offer more options for port than you ’d normally find on ChromeOS . The Chromebook Edition wreak with Framework ’s existing enlargement carte du jour system . you’re able to choose between USB - C , USB - A , MicroSD , HDMI , DisplayPort , and Ethernet port modules , though the Framework laptop is trammel to four module at a time . I quetch about that in my review of the main laptop computer last class , since some third - political party Chromebooks lean to go gammon with interface offering .
The upper side is that the Framework is at least a fragile piece of music of kit . In particular , the Chromebook Edition is about 15.85 mm thick and weigh 1.3 kilo , or about 2.8 pounds .
The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition could be a redoubtable school or work laptop . It has upgradeablecomponents , is self - repairable , and you may evenhack itinto something else . In particular , the Framework Laptop ’s form factor is somewhat evocative of the 2017 Pixelbook ’s , which was light and fragile enough to cart around in a tote pocketbook .
The Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition has swappable modules, like its Windows-based predecessor.Image: Framework
While the hardware of the Framework Laptop mostly take after its PC similitude , it ’s missing some of the key signature ChromeOS flavor . Namely , it lacks a touchscreen and/or stylus support . But a touchscreen would also add to the complexity of everything the Framework laptop computer is about , which is that it ’s almost totally user - serviceable .
As it stands , Chromebooks have n’t been sellingparticularly wellthis year . At least with Framework in the mix , it adds an option that does n’t seem like it ’s going to expire due to fade demand . It would also be nice to see this form of modularity make its direction into pedagogy , so schools can more easily upgrade aging ironware . That ’s what I hope for this engineering , anyway .
ChromebookComputersComputingGoogleGoogle ChromeLaptopsSmartbooks
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