WorkBook (Framework 13 + Classic KB + TrackPoint)

If you've made it this far, thanks for taking a look at my project. Still terribly busy with my new job, but it keeps the lights on. Despite the state of the economy and the computer parts market, the stars aligned and I have finally sourced a Framework 13 mainboard and RAM within my budget.

Still as motivated as ever, perhaps more so after having just poured a chunk of money into the aforementioned parts. X230 remains my daily driver and no new laptop to date scratches that itch for an indefinitely upgradable chassis with the classic ThinkPad-like experience.

The next objective is to pick up where I left off with the keyboard. Test it out when that's done. Then we will address the chassis.

A new cost breakdown for the build, sans mainboard/RAM/storage due to their highly variable cost:

*This estimate is for one-off production. May be lower with larger batches.

**It turns out that Kailh Choc keycaps are a very niche category already, so it might be worth investigating 3D-printed keycaps.

***May need investigating due to it no longer being sold separately and design differences of a custom aluminum lid.

Framework 13 instead of Framework 16

This project will now target the Framework 13 mainboard instead of the Framework 16. Mainly due to concerns about the bulk of the final product:

• Video reviews after the its release put into perspective the size of the machine.
• It would be at least 3.5 cm thick. To see how it would unfold, I used an 3 cm-thick laptop with a similar footprint for a couple of weeks. I did not like it much.
• I sincerely apologize if this change has disappointed you.

Fully custom lower chassis
Because having to work around the existing lower chassis:

• Severely limits our design choices
• Introduces an awkward midframe and its associated linkages
• And therefore would neither decrease costs or improve structural integrity significantly

First-party LCD

• The previous proposal to use an undersized LCD poses sourcing and compatibility concerns
• Further thinking revealed methods of rearranging components in the lid to keep the first-party display an option

New job, very busy. New stuff to come in a couple of months or so once I get things settled.

Be aware that putting this together, even without prototyping expenses as the "end-user", will be more expensive than buying the MacBook Pro 16. This is a project for the passionate!

Below is a rough cost estimate in the configuration that I plan on using:

Sub-Total: $2504

Base laptop

• We do not need the first-party keyboard, trackpad, or screen, but buying only the required parts from the marketplace does not save us money over the DIY edition.
  
• Added benefit that you can revert to the first-party parts if the mod does not work out for you.

Display Assembly and Palmrest

Keyboard

I have been spoiled for choice when it comes to batteries on older ThinkPads. At present, Framework laptops have only one internal battery that is rumored to be middling in terms of capacity relative to power consumption and not swappable without tools.

Assuming no other third parties release a battery pack for the Framework 16 expansion bay in the next 5 years and the expansion bay power delivery system supports charging input, I may consider building my own based on the guide: https://www.instructables.com/Battery-Powered-Raspberry-Pi-in-Repurposed-Laptop/

Mostly just a note to myself so I don't just forget about the work of a very dedicated Raspberry Pi owner to make SMBus charging work for him. I say this because I had long thought that making my own battery pack that reports battery percentage to the OS would be unrealistic.

I do want to have an upgrade to my aging X230 laptop ready in the next couple of years, so

• I don't anticipate this fizzling out, added that I refuse to give up the TrackPoint and classic keyboard
• I do anticipate the timeline changing depending on my available free time

Here's the timeline on my mind:

Spring 2024: I get my hands on the Framework 16 laptop

Summer 2024: Make measurements, test out parts, start playing with CAD

Fall 2024: Start running test prints and fine tune parts

Winter 2024: Put everything together, final testing and fitting, take glamour shots, polish up the write-up, and publish everything

Mid-2025: Probable actual completion date. Good thing that Framework promises to release case-compatible mainboard updates so this won't immediately become irrelevant once I finish.