New ‘DockFrame’ dock faucets into Framework’s USB-C modular system
Abstract created by Sensible Solutions AI
In abstract:
- PCWorld studies that HW Media Lab has developed the DockFrame, a modular USB-C dock that includes 4 hot-swappable sections suitable with Framework’s enlargement playing cards.
- The dock extends Framework’s modularity past laptops, providing customizable connectivity for any USB-C laptop with a LEGO-like aesthetic and repairable design.
- Distinctive Instrument playing cards together with multimeters and energy provides are being developed, with crowdfunding anticipated although pricing and launch dates stay unannounced.
Lastly, I get to put in writing one thing about Framework that isn’t simply the corporate apologizing profusely for RAM value will increase past its management. Framework’s modular laptop computer design has made it a magnet for modders and unconventional functions. One design is now increasing its USB-C-based ports right into a standalone dock design.
The DockFrame is a design for a USB-C dock with 4 modular, hot-swapping sections which are suitable with Framework’s USB-C port modules. It’s a easy concept developed by an organization known as HW Media Lab, which solely has one different product beneath its belt. Even so, the thought is an intriguing one, clearly cribbing on Framework’s modular, open, and repairable strategy to shopper electronics.
The design has a LEGO aesthetic that’s presently so widespread, with prototypes proven off on Twitter having LEGO-compatible studs on the underside of the dock. Along with being suitable with all of Framework’s present USB-C modules (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SSD, SD card reader, and different kinds of storage enlargement, and so on.), the mission is displaying off a few distinctive “Instrument card” designs. These embrace a multimeter, an influence provide with two USB-C ports (however solely as much as 12 volts), and a microcontroller for builders.
HW Lab
In accordance with the promotional website (noticed by Tom’s {Hardware}), the DockFrame is designed with repairability in thoughts. Along with being accessible with a screwdriver, the creator intends to offer full documentation, together with APIs, pinouts, and “firmware particulars.”
Sadly, we’re mild on different particulars, particularly a value or goal date. Whereas prototypes look like pretty nicely alongside in growth, those that need one can solely toss their electronic mail right into a “pre-order listing.” The corporate’s solely earlier mission—a web-connected show meant to sit down on prime of a monitor—is a crowdfunded product that solely began delivery earlier this month. I might additionally count on the DockFrame to go the crowdfunding route when its design is finalized.
