New laptop: Framework 13. The last one?

Warnings:

• This post is my thoughts after one day of use of a new laptop I’ve been waiting for 1.5 year, so I’m still under endorphins.
• I’ve spent $1,200 in an under powered machine, so I’m biased.
• I will skip all the details that make Framework’s laptops unique. This has already been covered by others.

With that out of the way, I would like to share my first impressions on the Framework 13 and how it compares to all I read and to my old Dell XPS13.

╭── Why did I go with an old machine?

My current XPS13 (9310 from 2021) had been serving me well without any issues. However, I decided to upgrade proactively due to one usb-C port that stopped functioning properly about a year ago, while the remaining one has experienced intermittent failures in recent months.

This specific laptop (7640U) was first released in 2023. Since then, Framework has proposed a lot of different options. The thing is that my purchases are driven by a personal balance between my needs/available technologies/price.

• My needs: I use my laptop mostly from home for office work, light coding, amateur photo editing and CAD. I run Arch which is fully supported on the Framework 13 .
• Available technologies: I did my search and look at available options offered by 4 competitors (Dell, Lenovo, System76, Tuxedo)
• Price: The budget for this laptop was ~$1,000

I opted against used items because I want my machine to last. The prospect of hoping for only five years from a brand-new laptop already frustrates me. However, I might have considered used items for a Framework machine because, as most people know, this company offers a unique approach to repairability and upgradability.

╭── How does it compares to…

Here is a quick comparison of this laptop to my previous machine and its successor ($1,200):

Above the average

• Let’s start with the obvious: Framework’s approach is unqiue in regards to repairability and upgradability.
  • customize your machine when you buy it. Choose your cpu. Choose or bring your own ssd, memory, OS, charger. Choose your keyboard (layout and color), screen bezel, ports.
  • upgrade or repair yourself any component you want (mainboard, wifi card, fan, hinges, screen, bottom or top cover…)
• The laptop comes wth 4 port slots which you can fill with your choice between these ports: ethernet, usb-C, usb-A, display/HDMI, micro-SD/SD. Note that you can chose their color as well. Always a nice touch.
• The very nice 2.8K display comes with 3.5Kg hinges which are stronger than the ones on my XPS. While the screen was not wobbling on the latter, it easily felt flat when I picked it up.
• The webcam is extremely good. I use my own camera for video calls but it’s still nice to have such a great piece of hardware if you need it. A very nice bonus is the physical privacy switch.

Good

• The build quality is top to my stabdards. Full alloy, it’s very smooth, and just as sturdy as my XPS.The magnets that hold the keyboard and bezel in place are super strong.
• No complaints regarding the touchpad and keyboard. You get what you would expect from any laptop in that price range. Smooth and accurate controls and gestures and a nice typing feeling.
• The first iteration of this laptop had few fan/temperature issues that were quickly addressed by Framework. This version is quiet and reasonable hot under huge workload if you trust all the reviews out there.
• I’ve already talked about the display, but if that matters to you it can fold up to 180 degrees. Its 3:2 ratio is quite unusual but extremely appreciable if you’re doing a lot of office work/coding.
• Battery life is sufficient for a full day of work, especially if you’re not frequently traveling. Additionally, if you use Linux, you can use the ectool that allows to prevent battery damage by forcing the use of battery even if you’re plugged-in for example, or setting up a lower and higher limit of charge.
• The weight and dimensions are comparable to competitors.

Below the average

• The speakers are better than I was expecting (and improved if you use the easyeffects profiles), but they remains poor on loud bass. I was aware of this limitation and don’t mind since I don’t use this laptop to listen to music.
• The microphone quality is rather poor. I have to admit that I didn’t try to improve it using easyeefects though since I’m using an external microphone anyway. Howwever, the physical privacy switch is again a very nice touch.

Notes

• Time from order to US delivery was only 5 days !
• Using ectool, you can change the led color on each usb-C port (white, yellow, amber, red, blue, green). Nice if coupled with a script to watch your battery level. The power button led can also be dimmed or even turned off.
• Customizing your ports and bezel color makes your laptop feels unique. You can also change them when you get bored.
• I was used to extremely thin bezel on my XPS and I loved it. At least, the transparent bezel I opted to for my Framework has the advantage to make them less noticeable.
• Whether or not it matters to you, the 2.8K display has rounded corners. To be fair, it’s not really noticeable when you’re working and even less if you’re using dark themes.

╭── Take home message

Note that I did not care about the webcam and hiDPI display but this laptop version was the only available at that time. It turned out to be nice bonuses.
Overall, these first thoughts just confirmed all the already existing online reviews, making this post useless. Thanks for your time :P To be honest, I was actually prepared for concessions I acutlly did not have to do and I’ve discovered some extra nice bonus features (like the led color control). As always with tech products, time will tell if this choice was good. If long-term reviews are right again, I should be good. Worst case scenario, I will trash this laptop after 4-5 years and get a new one, like you’d do with any other brand :(

The pricing of Framework’s machines has been subject to criticism regarding their specifications. However, considering Framework is a relatively new company, I believe the price offers reasonable value for an office work/c oding machine. It’s crucial to consider the broader philosophy behind Framework’s approach, particularly when it comes to ecosystem openness, upgradability, and repairability. These factors significantly impact long-term costs and sustainability. For example, the very first iteration of any Framework laptop could be upgraded to their last versions. Buying the needed parts (mainboard and memory) will be half the cost of purchasing a new laptop. Similarly, I would have loved to be able to replace the hinges of 3 of my old laptops that I had to trash only because of the screen being disconnected to the board !
On the other hand, if you prioritize having the latest cutting-edge technology, Framework will not fit the bill.