Framework is finally working on a full-size SD card module

You can hot-swap a DisplayPort, ethernet, even an additional 3.5mm audio jack into your modular Framework laptop computer — and at this time, the corporate is finally starting work on a full-size SD Expansion Card to go along with them.

But critically, it’s simply starting that work: the corporate says it’s breaking custom by “pre-announcing” a module that will by no means ship. “We’ve set a target for what we want it to be, but as we proceed and learn, there’s a chance it could change or even be canceled,” Framework writes. Don’t fear: it’s not attempting to money in forward of time; the thought is by doing it this manner, Framework can take you behind the scenes.

The full-size SD card is nonetheless going sturdy due to photographers and videographers, in fact, and in an official 2021 ballot, the Framework group stated it was the second-most requested port after a Gigabit ethernet jack. (Framework began promoting that one late final yr.)

So why the SD delay? In a venture kickoff video, Framework content material creator Hyelim Choi says the corporate truly wished to construct one in 2020 however determined its then-four-person engineering staff ought to in all probability focus on launching its first laptop computer as an alternative. In the in the meantime, full-size SD has develop into “consistently the most requested Expansion Card by the community,” and not less than a few individuals have tried to DIY their very own.

Each of Framework’s Expansion Card modules has customary male USB-C ports on the opposite finish — every plugs into a recessed feminine USB-C port on the motherboard. That means they are often plugged into different USB-C computer systems as effectively or swapped between Framework machines… together with DIY mini desktops just like the one you’ll be able to construct with the $39 Cooler Master / Framework Mainboard Case. That one helps you to construct a laptop by dropping in a new Framework Mainboard or swapping in a single out of your previous laptop computer once you improve it.

Speaking of mainboards, Framework says it found it’s bought additional eleventh Gen Intel Core mainboards mendacity round and is now providing them at a sizeable low cost: $199 for a Core i5 1135G7, $299 for a Core i7-1165G7, and $399 for a Core i7-1185G7.

If you’ve ever wished to construct your individual unofficial Intel NUC, this seems like a fairly intriguing choice. There are loads of different cool issues to construct with a potent single-board laptop, in fact.