I have been eyeing the framework 16 for a while now, and would like some opinions from those already in this ecosystem. For context, my current daily driver is an HP zbook with a dual battery system that I have *HEAVILY* modified over the years, having replaced the CPU, upgraded the ram well beyond stock, and even upgraded to a much newer MXM gpu. It is showing its age, though. The ddr3 ram is quite outdated and the pile of sata SSDs in this thing are aging out. My cpu socket has long been discontinued by intel, and there is no upgrade path for newer MXM gpus for this laptop that it could reasonably power.
I honestly really liked my old HP for just how modifiable and upgradable it was, and I am curious where to go from here.
Socketed mobile CPUs aren’t a thing for the past couple generations. The last one I remembered was the Core 2 series. So an upgrade now is a big jump, especially if you go for something with DDR5 memory.
Framework is going to be your best bet if you’re looking for an upgradable platform. The CPU is not socketed but they have provided 3 generations of Intel CPUs on replaceable motherboards already since their inception, as well as an AMD version. Their 16 inch will be a new form factor and platform but based on their track record so far, I expect them to support this form factor for a while as well.
yep, that HP Zbook seems like it’s been heavily modded. if it weren’t for the CPU, it’d probably still be solid. the Framework 16 might be a good upgrade, especially with its modularity and upgrade potential. it could be a solid replacement for your heavily customized Zbook.