I'm curious how many people would prefer a more durable/thinkpad-like framework laptop. I get they're trying to go for the more popular/mainstream light/thin/pretty design but man I still like using my T530 over my FW13. I've seen posts like "set my bag down a little too fast and bent/had to replace my hinge" and whatever. i still think the Framework is the best laptop currently being made and would still recommend it and do recommend it to my friends. Obviously some people like the weight and see it as worth the trade-off. but dang i wish there were a beefier one, I dont think we're going to see "framework on the international space station" posts at this rate.
You could likely replace the aluminum case with a thicker, plastic one if you designed and 3D printed it. Plastic covers also exist for laptops.
I hadn't thought of that, I mean it's not like I have a 3D printer or know how to do that but it would be awesome if people started doing third party shells. Could at least make the design and have one printed somewhere I guess edit: oh, the keyboard might be tough though. might be weird to have plastic shell with aluminum keypad
https://www.printables.com/contest/449-framework-computer-mainboard-case
A while back they partnered with Prusa on a 3d printing contest. There are some neat cases in there, including a steam deck style one, but no direct laptop replacement.
It wouldn't be THAT hard, it just seems like nobody thought it would be useful, you wouldn't get any additional functionality out of a bigger case, you're still locked into the same connectors, battery, and modules.
I’m actually surprised custom cases aren’t already a thing.
Manufacturing a laptop case is not cheap despite the simple appearance, especially if limited run. Alt case for Framework would likely be non-factory machinig affair. And that shit is very expensive. Probably cheaper if done in PRC but still. I think that's why noone has done it.
In addition to the physical design which would take number of prototypes to fit the rest of it correctly, you'd need to redesign EMI shielding and RF if metal case so radios function well.
helps with adoption and having an ecosystem too.