Framework-Laptop-13 VS ExpansionCards

You definitely could. All the details are available on the FrameworkComputer github org and you could either use what they have as a basis for a chassis or design your own custom chassis that fits the framework parts.

https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/Framework-Laptop-13

You can also buy mainboards[1] and expansion cards[2] (usb-c, hdmi etc.) from the same website. Depending on how beefy of a computer you want there are mainboards from 299 USD to 700 USD. So for ~500 USD you can get a very powerful tiny-ish computer. It obviously won't have the IO capabilities of pi-like hobby boards but it'll function great as a thin client for running linux / home automation stuff.

[1]: https://frame.work/marketplace/mainboards

Framework themselves do sell older mainboards at a discount.

So if this isn't the EC firmware flash, where is that? I peeked under all the components on the top side of the board that I could (fan, etc.) but couldn't find any other flash chips. I tried looking at the schematic, and while it mentions two flash ROMs, it doesn't mention where to find them. Reluctantly, I took out the mainboard and checked the under-side.

You can also buy a framework mainboard. It’s basically the motherboard of a laptop without screen, keyboard and trackpad.

And I don't mean ideologically, though that's good too. Their top end AMD Ryzen 7 main board upgrade kit is $700 and that's what you'd pay for a mid range business laptop. Add $40 for a mainboard case which basically gets you a new computer and it's not a bad deal at all.

What I don't get about your comments is that you're opposing upgradeability and repairability, when it's really just the same concept stretched further: instead of there being one spare part for anything that can break in a given model, you have multiple tiers for parts that effectively make the laptop more of a modular series than a single model, like Framework does. And to answer your question from a further comment, you can indeed upgrade to a later gen mainboard, in fact you can even go AMD.

If you are still looking for a place to start you should check out framework's github. They have a bunch of 3d models already designed. You can modify them and framework even has a process to submit possible upgrades for their designs. https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/Framework-Laptop-13

I think the SD module won't be able to have the card flush, as the modules are only and SD cards are 32mm long, and you need some PCB space for the socket cage and the USB-C on the other side. The retrofit PCB outline they provide is only 26.9mm from front edge to back edge, so an SD card will stick out a little bit.

So perhaps they decided to go for the one that lets users have the card flush for use like an expansion bay as well as for data transfer to/from devices.

https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/ExpansionCards/tree/mai...

There are many laptops and desktops that fit the bill.

Frame.work: https://frame.work/

Dell: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000138246/linux-on-...

System76: https://system76.com/laptops

Kubuntu Focus: https://kfocus.org/land/business

I am sure there are more, this is only what I have found in less than 5 minutes of searching.

I'll buy a frame.work long before I touch system76. Their prices are too high for the general feedback I keep seeing on the quality control. I'm not spending 3k+ to be out a laptop until support responds. Especially, considering they still don't make these in house..

No they didn't, companies just mostly gave up on it.

A Framework Laptop (https://frame.work)

You could get a Framework 13 which comes with your choice of a 7840U or 7640U and a Radeon 780M iGPU. They do officially support Linux, and you don't have to pay for a Windows license, if you go the DIY option and chose to not get a Windows license.

Take a look at the Framework laptops. They're 100% modular so if stuff like that goes bad you can simply order the replacement part and do it yourself. I'm using a desktop right now but Ithink my next laptop is gonna be a framework.

a couple of days ago I tried to order a Framework laptop (13 inch AMD). I chose to create an account during the checkout process and provided my email address. After entering my shipping details, I authorized the transfer of the deposit fee via Giropay. The deposit was deducted from my bank account but when I was sent back to the frame.work website I was greeted by an error message. Unfortunately I could neither complete the checkout process nor continue my account registration.