Framework’s new 16-inch laptop gets an exciting new upgrade: 240W USB Type-C refresh means much faster charging, but it’s only available on AMD for now
In an effort to address growing concerns around electronic waste, Framework designs and manufactures repairable laptops instead of sealed and disposable laptops. It also makes them highly customizable.
The new Framework Laptop 16 is available in two forms: ready-made and DIY. The latter is exactly what it sounds like: you build it yourself. You can change and upgrade elements independently of the rest of the laptop, such as swapping out the GPU, keyboard, and even choosing your own port choice.
The port expansion system is probably the most interesting feature and users can customize six slots, choosing from USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, Ethernet, Audio, ultra-fast storage and more. The latest addition to this system is support for 180W and 240W USB-C, a feature made possible by the integration of Infineon’s EZ-PD CCG8 dual/single port USB-C PD controller.
Faster charging
The EZ-PD CCG8 controller offers the latest USB Type-C and Power Delivery specifications with support for Extended Power Range (EPR). It includes a discrete N-channel field effect transistor (NFET) gate driver with error protection and slew rate and is equipped with a 32-bit, 48 MHz Arm Cortex-M0 Plus processor.
This addition means that Laptop 16 users can enjoy faster charging times, and who wouldn’t want that?
Nirav Patel, Founder and CEO of Framework, explains: “The EZ-PD CCG8 has enabled tremendous flexibility, not only supporting the latest USB-PD 3.1 standard, but also enabling our unique expansion card system, allowing enable end-user customization of ports.”
The Framework Laptop 16 is available for prior order now. Prices for the DIY edition start at $1399, while the pre-built version, with the operating system of your choice, starts at $1699. For now you’re limited to AMD Ryzen processors and graphics, but that could happen in the future change.
