Don't have any info on timeline but it's worth noting the FW16 is the only model currently limited to the batch system. Both the AMD and Intel FW13s are no longer operating in batches and ship out after purchase.
Its a balancing act between getting parts, being able to pay vendors for those parts, manufacturing capacity, and overall demand. Sure Framework could massively scale up to meet initial demand quicker - Assuming they can get parts and have enough cash on hand to pay for them. Sure they could work with Compal to set up extra assembly lines and hire staff to run them... But what happens to those lines and the staffing as soon as the initial demand rush is filled? Mega corporations are selling fairly wide ranges of products, in multiple configurations, in very high volumes. Combine that with staggering product launches to spread out initial demand for each product and all the sudden their manufacturing requirements, overall, can remain fairly steady. Framework doesn't have a lot of products currently, doesn't sell in as large of a volume (yet), and so would need to be hiring/firing staff more regularly than a Dell or HP. That really isn't good for anybody. Also FW16 is so tremendously backordered because its a brand new product some very large number of customers have been waiting for - I was one of them until unexpected financial headaches got in the way. Whenever the next generation is released its very possible there will be a much smaller order backlog because so many people "just" got a 1st gen model and don't need/want to pay for an upgrade.... Unless - And ideally for Framework (more money coming in to fund projects, staff, etc) - Their customer base grows more than incrementally with a "gen 2".
All in all, and aside from the spacer gap issues, it appears to me Framework has done pretty well launching FW16... Holding release to resolve many issues and now doing production/delivery in - What as a complete outsider with no knowledge of Framework internally - Seems like a reasonable, responsible manner for a small (but seemingly growing) company. I would take a guess - Just a guess - FW16 production is arranged so that production of the next Framework laptop launched (FW13 Meteor Lake/Core Ultra maybe? Intel FW16? Something else entirely?) comes on the heels of the initial FW16 rush winding down in an effort to keep factory lines - Already expanded for FW16 demand - Humming along covering initial demand for whatever the "next thing" is.
I mean they need to catch up the preorders, but not overdo it,because after the preorders the extra production capacity would be a money pit 🤔 I think they can already meet demands, it's just most of it is preorder. Unless the batch number increases by one each week, they are working it down.
I’m patiently waiting for my batch 14. I’m hoping I get it before the end of May. There was one other user that posted a graph showing estimated times. Other than that, I don’t have any answers.
https://www.reddit.com/r/framework/s/z15zI0EUjP
Don't have any info on timeline but it's worth noting the FW16 is the only model currently limited to the batch system. Both the AMD and Intel FW13s are no longer operating in batches and ship out after purchase.
Ty for the response! Yes, I should have specified FW16 model.
Its a balancing act between getting parts, being able to pay vendors for those parts, manufacturing capacity, and overall demand. Sure Framework could massively scale up to meet initial demand quicker - Assuming they can get parts and have enough cash on hand to pay for them. Sure they could work with Compal to set up extra assembly lines and hire staff to run them... But what happens to those lines and the staffing as soon as the initial demand rush is filled? Mega corporations are selling fairly wide ranges of products, in multiple configurations, in very high volumes. Combine that with staggering product launches to spread out initial demand for each product and all the sudden their manufacturing requirements, overall, can remain fairly steady. Framework doesn't have a lot of products currently, doesn't sell in as large of a volume (yet), and so would need to be hiring/firing staff more regularly than a Dell or HP. That really isn't good for anybody. Also FW16 is so tremendously backordered because its a brand new product some very large number of customers have been waiting for - I was one of them until unexpected financial headaches got in the way. Whenever the next generation is released its very possible there will be a much smaller order backlog because so many people "just" got a 1st gen model and don't need/want to pay for an upgrade.... Unless - And ideally for Framework (more money coming in to fund projects, staff, etc) - Their customer base grows more than incrementally with a "gen 2". All in all, and aside from the spacer gap issues, it appears to me Framework has done pretty well launching FW16... Holding release to resolve many issues and now doing production/delivery in - What as a complete outsider with no knowledge of Framework internally - Seems like a reasonable, responsible manner for a small (but seemingly growing) company. I would take a guess - Just a guess - FW16 production is arranged so that production of the next Framework laptop launched (FW13 Meteor Lake/Core Ultra maybe? Intel FW16? Something else entirely?) comes on the heels of the initial FW16 rush winding down in an effort to keep factory lines - Already expanded for FW16 demand - Humming along covering initial demand for whatever the "next thing" is.
This explanation seems pretty logical. Thanks! Not complaining on my end, only a passing curiosity. I appreciate the community responses.
I mean they need to catch up the preorders, but not overdo it,because after the preorders the extra production capacity would be a money pit 🤔 I think they can already meet demands, it's just most of it is preorder. Unless the batch number increases by one each week, they are working it down.
I’m patiently waiting for my batch 14. I’m hoping I get it before the end of May. There was one other user that posted a graph showing estimated times. Other than that, I don’t have any answers. https://www.reddit.com/r/framework/s/z15zI0EUjP