THE 702 PROJECT
Framework + iPad + butterfly keyboard originally by ThinkPad 701c OR you can call it the compact personal computing unit 702.
The project started in 2022 with the hope of creating a handy small laptop, and it slowly turned into making the ideal laptop in my mind.
To be the ideal, it needs to have the best hardware and software the current world has to offer, which led to the idea of combining an iPad, which houses the best monitor, webcam, speaker, microphone, and battery efficiency on consumer electrics, and an x86 motherboard offering versatility and capabilities. Essentially I am wiring unrivaled media consumption experience of an iPad with the x86 computing capability of a PC. (This is definitely not because I couldn't wire an 11 inch IPS display onto the Framework mainboard)
The 702 laptop is physically and logically divided into two halves:
- iPad(monitor, webcam, speaker, microphone)
- ThinkPad stuff (ThinkLight, lid lock)
- Structure (shell, lock, latch)
- Framework 13 stuff (mainboard + battery)
- Keyboard (expansion system, PCB)
- I/O (ports, other PCB)
- Structure (shell, rollcage, chassis, palm reset)
The 2 sides will be linked physically by ports and locks. They will be linked on the software level as well, making the iPad hot-swappable.
Being mechanical:
The butterfly keyboard was used because first, I love ThinkPads and the one on 701C was too classic to not replicate. Second, there really aren't much space for a decent sized keyboard on the 11inch chassis. A plam rest was later added after the first keyboard prototype was made in 2024 for better ergonomics. The palm rest is also in sync with the motion of the keyboard to house the keyswitches below when the lid is closed and be at the right height when typing.
Using Framework:
The Framework 13 mainboard is used as motherboard because it was the only open source one available with the best performance figure and upgradability. I do not want to build another "laptop" / toy with a pi and call it a hackers tool. I am building my work station here, serious stuff. I need computing power as well as a windows environment to work. Also fitting something small into a bigger enclosure just isn't challenging.. right..?
How to use this weird thing:
When using the 702 project you could choose between the 2 devices/systems. Tablet mode (iPad): For note taking, sketching, reading, or anything more handy on the iPad (content consumption), you could take the lid off and use it as an iPad. Laptop mode (Framework): If tasks require a Windows environment (productivity), plug the iPad back on to the base and proceed to use as a normal laptop.
Some future ideas:
If I can make the iPad as the monitor for the PC, can I use the keyboard on the PC for the iPad? If audio and video data can be transmitted between teh 2 devices, can I transfer files as well? (Airdrop for PC) If the iPad can be wired to the PC to be its monitor, can I do it wirelessly? Since iPad has split screen, can I use the iPad while using the laptop? Can I use the laptop to charge / not charge the iPad? Oculink and docking station?
The project is currently under construction and in the early stage of concept proving and prototyping. Everything is subject to change so I only open sourced the files I have printed myself and proved to be working. This repository will be updated as the hardware matures. Any critics are welcomed!
Progress will be posted in the discussion (weekly update). Some milestones will be posted here.
20260307 An overview picture of the 702 project. [Early stage master cad]
Shield:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
