Notebookcheck Logo

Framework Laptop USB-C concept is so simple and brilliant that it makes us wonder why bigger OEMs haven't thought of it yet

Framework Laptop USB-C concept is so simple and brilliant that it makes us wonder why bigger OEMs haven't thought of it yet
Framework Laptop USB-C concept is so simple and brilliant that it makes us wonder why bigger OEMs haven't thought of it yet
Tired of having manufacturers decide for you what ports you want or don't want? The Framework Laptop lets you choose exactly what you want and how many you want at up to four individual ports.
Business Laptop Review Snippet Thunderbolt Tiger Lake Ultrabook

There's no such thing as a perfect laptop especially when it comes to port options. Some users may prefer to have DisplayPort instead of HDMI or more USB-A ports than USB-C ports. Some may desire MicroSD readers while others might have no use for them. Regardless of preference, all major laptops ship with fixed ports that the manufacturers themselves decided to include or exclude.

The Framework Laptop tackles this issue head on by allowing users to "swap" out certain ports for others. It integrates four Thunderbolt-compatible USB-C ports that are recessed onto the chassis for users to connect special adapters or expansion cards to turn them into MicroSD, HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-A ports. Thus, users can have four HDMI, four DisplayPort, four USB-A, or even four MicroSD slots if they so choose. The idea is that users can swap out certain ports to better fit their daily workloads instead of being limited to the usual fixed ports.

The concept is made even more simple by the fact that the Framework laptop isn't using any proprietary connections. The expansion cards themselves are proprietary in size and physical design as shown by the picture below, but they use the same USB-C connectors as any aftermarket adapter.

The main issues are that the expansion cards must be purchased directly from the manufacturer and that they may not be available with specific ports. For example, Framework does not carry expansion cards with full-size SD card readers or optical out.

We're surprised to see that other manufacturers haven't adopted similar approaches to their existing models. Not every port needs to be swappable, of course, but having just one or two a la the Framework laptop could make models like the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 or HP EliteBook 855 more customizable and attractive. A mix of both fixed and swappable ports could go a long way.

Expect our full review on the Framework Laptop in the coming days.

The Framework expansion card is essentially a USB-C adapter that turns the port into HDMI, USB-A, MicroSD, or anything else that the user may need. The adapter sits flush against the edge of the chassis when inserted which is very different from the external adapters that can attach to any other laptop
The Framework expansion card is essentially a USB-C adapter that turns the port into HDMI, USB-A, MicroSD, or anything else that the user may need. The adapter sits flush against the edge of the chassis when inserted which is very different from the external adapters that can attach to any other laptop
Read all 14 comments / answer
static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2021 07 > Framework Laptop USB-C concept is so simple and brilliant that it makes us wonder why bigger OEMs haven't thought of it yet
Allen Ngo, 2021-07-23 (Update: 2021-07-24)