Background Information
Framework's Expansion Cards are optional modules that can be slotted into one of the four expansion slots on the Framework Laptop. Each module can provide additional functionality and customization options to the laptop including additional storage, and expanded I/O options. These modules can be plugged into any of the expansion slots so that users can have the option of which side the new I/O is on.
Official Framework Expansion Card Options
The official Ethernet Expansion card developed by Framework.
Officially Framework offers several different I/O options for their laptops along with several different storage expansion modules. Some of these options include...
- Storage Expansions (either 250 GB to 1 TB)
- a full-size DisplayPort
- HDMI port
- Ethernet port
- MicroSD card slot
- USB-A/USB-C.
Community Contributed Expansion Cards
User contributed LTE Cat 4 Cell Modem Card concept design created by the user Tim_Taylor
In 2021 Framework made their Expansion Card CAD plans available for users to create their own custom expansion cards via their GitHub. The core goal of doing this was to allow users to find new and interesting ways to extend the capabilities of their Framework Laptops. Users can show off and receive feedback on their own custom expansion card on Framework's Community Website and could apply for additional backing from Framework to make their expansion card publicly available.
Some notable community-driven expansion cards include...
- Magnetic Charging Converter
- LTE Cat 4 Cell Modem
- Dual USB-C
- Scroll Wheel
- UART