What if the modular computing evangelists at Framework decided to make a handheld? YouTuber Pitstoptech has largely answered this question by building a “fully upgradeable gaming handheld” around one of Framework’s upgradable motherboards.
Pitstoptech intends to prepare and sell handheld DIY kits “soon,” based on the prototype design you see in the pictures / video.
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As it’s a modding project, rather than a professional endeavor, the result isn’t as sleek as it could be, but the work shown (h/t Liliputing) still admirably illustrates the potential here.
One of the key attractions is the ease with which users can replace their laptop mainboard to grab generational mobile platform upgrades provided by both Intel and AMD.
We have already seen some interesting projects, like a wedge-style computer designed with a mechanical keyboard containing a Framework motherboard, and a retro-style gaming console based on this same essential but swappable component.
Luckily for would-be project followers, Framework’s board with an AMD Phoenix chip is due to be released shortly.
Unluckily, as Liliputing observed, the Framework mainboard with an alluring Ryzen 7 7840U costs basically the same as a fully kitted out and sleekly designed handheld like the ROG Ally.
Pitstoptech intends to prepare and sell handheld DIY kits “soon,” based on the prototype design you see in the pictures / video.
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Unluckily, as Liliputing observed, the Framework mainboard with an alluring Ryzen 7 7840U costs basically the same as a fully kitted out and sleekly designed handheld like the ROG Ally.
“Unluckily”? I see this as an absolute win! Good luck swapping out or re-using components in the Ally!
Same. Unlike the Ally, if you already have this mainboard from buying a laptop and want to upgrade the mainboard later, the cost of the mainboard is essentially 0 since it’s just a component being EOL’d at that point. Better in a handheld for its final days rather than as e-waste.
