The GPU is also upgradable. Given Framework's track record the likelihood that you will be able to upgrade it to an 8000 or 9000 series AMD GPU or even an Nvidia or ARC GPU down the line is damn near 100%.
I wouldn't even be surprised if they released an adapter that lets you plug your old GPU into a standard PCIe slot afterwards.
Not everyone wants lightbar or webcam notch. Early 2010s were peak MacBook designs IMO. It still was solid OS and the laptops had magsafe and fullsize USB.
I have never wanted any apple anything. The chassis styling is not my bag, the "innovations" they try to force on to the industry are even worse.
I do admit that many many people think that it was peak laptop and apple still makes basically the same laptop.
My daily driver is an asus g14. I can see framework getting popular and aftermarket chassis coming out that are more my preference.
I still won't spend an extra 35% for a laptop with swappable hardware, not when I can sell the whole thing into the used market for more than that 35% difference and get a whole new kit every 5 years.
15% premium and a full customization market? That's another question. Chicken and egg thing and I'm paying attention for my next actual replacement system.
Yeah I see your point there. It is indeed a bit of chicken and egg problem, but it's not 35% for laptop with swap-able hardware. The customization is probably the main selling point. If you want Ethernet port in your laptop, that rules out pretty much any recent model out there. Add upgrade-able memory, storage (or an option for multiple storage devices), some more specific port selection (like full size HDMI) and you might only have handful of models to choose from.
Can you do a lot of that with USB-C dongle? Sure, but dongle isn't built in and also costs extra money. Are there many people out there that don't need any of these ports? Sure! But if you're one of those that do, this might be your only real option. Especially once we get to the more exotic modules like that RGB Macropad.
I'm personally not in that market at all, but I definitely see why people might want this and saying that it's 35% markup just for the ability to upgrade and repair is missing the point a bit.
They only have 2 models. One of which (mentioned in the OP) has not been shipped yet, they just started taking orders.
Not only does the 16 model support GPUs but they are totally optional, and also can be simply swapped and upgraded at a later date. They are completely modular like a proper desktop computer.
You'll probably find other board partners selling drop-in replacements also in the near future.