I’m considering a Framework 13 for my second, travel laptop (it’ll be my first non-Thinkpad laptop since the 1990s) but still have some nagging doubts and am curious if others have grappled with any of them. I generally keep laptops for 2-3 years before selling my old one and buying a new one so none of my laptops have ever ended up in landfill by my hand, at least.
First doubt is about the whole Framework business model thing, not least because the company is private and thus a bit of a mystery in terms of financing, burn rate, longevity etc. Basically, if I buy a Framework laptop now, will the company still be around in 2-3 years when I’d consider a CPU update and still supporting current models?
Second is whether I want to buy a laptop that’s such a basic clamshell design when all other manufacturers are constantly bringing some interesting new design options to the table. Sure, it’s fine now, but in 2-3 years will I want a 2-in-1 or a smaller footprint or different screen ratio etc.? Looking back at my Thinkpad purchases, I did stick with 14" T-series for quite a while (T20 onwards), but those evolved in terms of size/shape, and since I shook my T-series addiction I’ve tried all sorts of different sizes and shapes (currently typing this on a P1 Gen 4).
And finally there’s the price, which TBH is on the high side even with me bringing my own RAM, using an older Gen3 SSD I have, using a 60W charger I already have etc. Even the new Main Boards/CPUs are pretty darn expensive if you want anything higher end. This is especially pertinent with BF coming up when all the major manufacturers will no doubt be offering big discounts on current models (some already are).
It seems to be the USP of Framework is the lower e-waste thing because otherwise it’s just another mid-range 13" laptop in a crowded field. TBH I’d be more impressed if Framework offered to take back replaced components for recycling, otherwise upgrading stuff just generates its own potential e-waste, albeit much less than binning a whole laptop.
Ultimately I’ll probably buy a Framework 13 – curiosity about new toys and memories of rummaging around in the internals of Thinkpads of Yore are just too strong to overcome! But I’m still curious about other folks’ motivations.
Honestly I like framework because it doesn’t have any manufacturer bloat. I hate and despise all that, and while some will say just reinstall windows (or install Linux) I like windows for fun (Linux for work!) and most laptops need weird windows drivers with a load of crap included you cannot avoid
Framework has no such issues. It’s like getting an Android pixel phone from Google, rather than a Samsung. I just like stock.
Speaking of which, is why the Microsoft surface line would be my second choice and biggest competitor to framework for me.
Out the two I weighed pros and cons. Both are stock windows, nicely made. Surface line is tight and integrated and framework is open and upgradable, which was the path I preferred slightly in the end.
A great thing about desktop PCs is you can config exactly how you like and avoid manufacturers crapware - and frameworks are that philosophy for laptops, which I think is great.
If you prefer touchscreens or smaller shells I’d say Microsoft surface is the line to get, otherwise, get a framework. For me - no other laptops are considered for me personally.
Maybe I’m weird!