In summary:
- PCWorld reports that HW Media Lab has developed the DockFrame, a modular USB-C dock featuring four hot-swappable sections compatible with Framework’s expansion cards.
- The dock extends Framework’s modularity beyond laptops, offering customizable connectivity for any USB-C computer with a LEGO-like aesthetic and repairable design.
- Unique Tool cards including multimeters and power supplies are being developed, with crowdfunding expected though pricing and release dates remain unannounced.
Finally, I get to write something about Framework that isn’t just the company apologizing profusely for RAM price increases beyond its control. Framework’s modular laptop design has made it a magnet for modders and unconventional applications. One design is now expanding its USB-C-based ports into a standalone dock design.
The DockFrame is a design for a USB-C dock with four modular, hot-swapping sections that are compatible with Framework’s USB-C port modules. It’s a simple idea developed by a company called HW Media Lab, which only has one other product under its belt. Even so, the idea is an intriguing one, clearly cribbing on Framework’s modular, open, and repairable approach to consumer electronics.
The design has a LEGO aesthetic that’s currently so popular, with prototypes shown off on Twitter having LEGO-compatible studs on the bottom of the dock. In addition to being compatible with all of Framework’s current USB-C modules (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SSD, SD card reader, and other types of storage expansion, etc.), the project is showing off a couple of unique “Tool card” designs. These include a multimeter, a power supply with two USB-C ports (but only up to 12 volts), and a microcontroller for developers.
HW Lab
According to the promotional site (spotted by Tom’s Hardware), the DockFrame is designed with repairability in mind. In addition to being accessible with a screwdriver, the creator intends to provide full documentation, including APIs, pinouts, and “firmware details.”
Unfortunately, we’re light on other details, specifically a price or target date. While prototypes appear to be fairly well along in development, those who want one can only toss their email into a “pre-order list.” The company’s only previous project—a web-connected display meant to sit on top of a monitor—is a crowdfunded product that only started shipping earlier this month. I would also expect the DockFrame to go the crowdfunding route when its design is finalized.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 15-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.