We are not sustainable And neither is any other device maker. This industry is full of “feel good” messaging, but generates 50 million metric tons of e-waste each year. We believe the best way to reduce environmental impact is to create products that last longer, meaning fewer new ones need to be made. Instead of operating on feels, we operate on data and actions. With funding from Intel, we commissioned Fraunhofer IZM to do a detailed life cycle analysis (LCA) on Framework Laptop 13 to help us understand where we are today and where we can continue to improve. Check out our thoughts on reducing environmental impact and download the LCA report here…
Overall, they seem to be doing the right things for long-term ownership and repairability. As new hardware manufacturers, they’re going to have a couple issues, just like their rechargeable bios battery design, but they’ve handled them well.
I would like them to open source their schematics, but they have contractual obligations preventing them from doing so, so making the schematics open after signing an NDA is a fair middle ground, and more than any other company will do. So kudos for that
I personally own a framework, and worked with them to fix a charging issue, and they did all the right things, professional, no issues at all.
One small issue that people seem to have, is their unwillingness to talk about core boot or libre boot, but that’s a small thing.
They are a startup, so you always have to question what revenue streams they’re envisioning long-term.
They’re my kind of crazy: I hope they succeed, at least I hope they start industry trend for repairability and long-term ownership.
It would be amazing if they succeeded. Would be nice to be able to grab the motherboard of your old laptop and recycle it into a home server type device, sell your display to someone that can easily use it for personal projects, etc.
If they do it right their old boards could be used for the kind of stuff people buy raspberry pi’s for as well.
That is already being done right now.
You can fashion your old Mainboard into a home server. For example by using their case made in collaboration with I think CooperMaster but you can also 3D print it yourself.
The displays are just standard eDP connectors. So anyone could use that as well with a cheap board.
Yeah, I saw hobbyists are doing it already, but it you could use mass produced cases to fit them in any form factor it opens up the possibility for long term use of motherboards that would end up scrapped otherwise.
100% agreed. If they could come up with some GPL3 framework foundation, that open source to schematic designs, after I don’t know 5 years. So the designs are older, but it’s open, so that people can fashion all of their devices into completely reusable modules. I’d love that.
They’re doing a reasonable job by open sourcing their interfaces, which is good.
One small issue that people seem to have, is their unwillingness to talk about core boot or libre boot, but that’s a small thing.
It’s a major issue for me - currently I’m keeping my old x230 alive, but eventually that’ll have to be replaced.
I’m running it with heads, which allows me to do secure boot under my control. I don’t really want to have my main notebook without that nowadays.
I don’t like any of the current notebook keyboards, so it’ll be a “build yourself” project anyway - and the framework mainboard would be nice as they keep the dimensions stable, even though I’m not a fan of some other hardware choices.
My impression of the GitHub discussion on core boot, was that it’s on their backlog. But one of the bug submitters was very vocal, would a commitments, and basically got the developers to close the issue kind of emotionally.
I think it’s something they want to do, long-term, but they’re not actively working on it.
Out of curiosity what are the other hardware issues?
Out of curiosity what are the other hardware issues?
I’m generally not a friend of their USB-C expansion modules - which is mainly due to lots of experience trying to expand older notebooks with USB stuff. USB is not designed for devices to keep a state over suspends, so depending on what kind of hardware you plug in you get interesting results. This may be better with current spec (at least I hope they fixed some of that stuff when they worked on USB-C docking), but given how much I’ve seen fail I don’t feel comfortable to fully rely on that.
I’d have preferred to have a few more mPCIe-slots (I think they just have one for the WLan module), and more storage slots (which I think they finally fixed with the latest mainboard version with two NVME slots). Also what they’ve done about the connection for the separate graphics card might solve my complaints about lack of mPCIe-slots.
If we not only look at the mainboard, but the complete notebook - I don’t like the keyboard, the screen, the case in general, and the fixed battery - but unfortunately all those are bad on pretty much any notebook younger than 10 years.
I should add, no matter how much I agree with the company, I won’t do pre-orders. I know framework is my kind of crazy, I can’t encourage anybody to do a pre-order either.
I bought my framework from in stock series 13s.
There’s too much risk tying up capital for months, plus you lose your credit card protections, when it’s been over 30 days. If I buy an in stock unit, have it delivered, and it’s terrible, worst case scenario I do a credit card charge back. I’d lose that capability if I do a pre-order 345 months out.
If you preorder, just 100 $/€ are taken from your credit card. The rest is booked shortly before the device gets shipped. So, your risk is 100$/€ if they went bankrupt before you get your device. I have seen worse, imho.
They seem to be heavily prioritizing reduce and reuse over recycle which is perfect. That’s what you’re supposed to do. Buy a few refillable glass jars and recycle them when they break instead of just tossing them in the recycling and buying new ones type deal.
I needed new laptop and wanted one from Framework but unfortunately they don’t sell it in my country so I went with a macbook pro with the thinking that it will last me longer than anything else and that’s at least somewhat more eco friendly since I don’t need to buy a new one for the next 5 years at least, probably 10 since it’s a mac
I’ve had my macbook for 6 years and it is still my favorite computer to use. I built my own pc and everything, but the mac still feels better. Ot could feel a little snappier opening programs, but it’s still a great machine
But the new ones are more durable! ;)
I get what you mean but that analogy doesn’t make sense
I say we celebrate their successes! Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress; the fact that they’re trying to do something about sustainability is far more than can be said for most laptop manufacturers, and the more the industry sees them succeed, the more it will follow suite.
They’ve even went beyond what they promised iirc rather than delivering the bare minimum
I bought a 1st gen Framework, making the bet they will still be around and have sell upgrades for my laptop 5+years from now when I need an upgrade. So far they are delivering on their promises and the price remains acceptable (even if high than the competition).
- very satisfied about linux support
- very satisfied about reperability, customizability
- very satisfied with overall spec. and design
- not so satisfied by battery management and autonomy
even if high than the competition
it’s not even higher in some cases.
Was looking for a new work laptop a year or so ago, and compared a thinkpad with framework. Same exact hardware inside, and the price difference was 50ct. With the thinnkpad having poorer upgradability, soldered on ram and (imo) worse build quality.
It was the perfect way to test out a framework, and now I own one for personal use as well
- not so satisfied by battery management and autonomy
What do you mean with autonomy?
Probably not native. In Italian we also say “autonomia” to indicate battery life or distance you can still cover with the fuel in your tank.
Ah that makes sense, thanks
Yes this is what I mean. I though this was also use in english. Basically, how long you last with 1 charge.
deleted by creator
Hopefully battery life will get much better with the next gen Intel CPUs (14th gen and later). Of course that means nothing for people who already have the current gen.
I mean, with Framework laptops, it does mean something since upgrading to a new cpu doesn’t involve buying a whole new laptop.
They already fixed some HW issue related to that in the 2nd gen (intel 12th gen).
I am not in the market for a new laptop at the moment, but my next one is very likely to be a Framework. At least if they decide to add Nordic keyboard and support shipping to Denmark.
Yeah that’s my attitude as well. I have no need for a laptop at the moment. It’s a want, but I have bigger expenses to worry about at the moment. In a year or two when I feel like it’s time I’ll likely go with them.
Last I checked some months ago they haven’t entered the EU market and don’t have near term plans to :(
They also don’t recommend importing as that kind of defeats the purpose seeing as you’ll be unable to easily source parts or even get support, maintenance or warranty
I know. That is partly why I don’t intend to buy one before they support the EU.
They are active in some EU countries
I got my Framework 13 in February 2022 and I love it. I’ll end up getting the AMD mainboard when it becomes more widely available, then take my old mainboard and RAM, put them in an enclosure, and make that my new NAS. Then my current NAS, which is just a Raspberry Pi, I’ll turn that into a PiHole.
I am super excited about case options (3D printed, or coolermaster) ! When I do need an upgrade in some years time, the old MB will definitly not go to wast !
I always found it very frustration to have some old laptop laying around, that still functions good, but there is nothing much to be done with it, or it involves a lot of tinkering and will never end up being a very elegant nor practical thing…
I’ve used old laptops as low power servers (hell, they have included battery backup that lasts way longer than my UPSes). Being able to put an old board and its components in a 1u rack server or 3d printed case is HUGE to me. Thats a huge selling point for framework for me.
I wish they did a System76 collab or something because I want to support both of those companies.
I’ve always wanted a form factor that’s basically a thick tablet, but with laptop-level hardware inside. I can carry around a (mechanical) keyboard and a wireless mouse just fine. Have something to prop it up vertically and give it a power adapter, and that’s all I need. Even the best laptop keyboards and touchpads kinda suck.
Not many companies would take a chance on a form factor like that, but an old Framework motherboard could make it work. I think there are some 3d printed projects on their forums that are pretty close to this already.
Theres also this option of turning it into a handheld gaming system:
Here is an alternative Piped link(s):
https://youtu.be/zd6WtTUf-30?si=dsWcZblRl_Wkry5P
Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.
I’m open-source, check me out at GitHub.
If I need a new laptop, I’ll most likely get a Framework. Not only the upgradability, but the upgradability is second to none.
The one complaint I have is that the Ethernet module sticks out of the device. Seems like an oversight to make them so thin so they can’t fit an RJ-45 port. Maybe they’ll develop a module with a little flap like seen on some thin laptops with an RJ-45 port.
I find it acceptable to use a usb-c dongle for ethernet, even though I admit it’s not as good as a properly integrated port. Overall the Framework 13-inch isn’t the best if you are looking for many I/O options. I own only 4 port-modules, buy even if I had more I don’t see myself swapping them more often than twice a year.
It’s certainly acceptable and more of a nitpick. I just find it super convenient to have Ethernet built-in. Not necessarily for desktop use (you’d probably use a USB-C/Thunderbolt dock with Ethernet anyways), but for activities like troubleshooting routers or other network devices. It’s very handy when you can just take your laptop and plug it right in without having to think about any dongles or adapters or whatever.
You can of course have a permanent RJ-45 port in the Framework laptop, it’s just not as aesthetically pleasing and the fact that it sticks out can cause issues with some sleeves or other cases.
I needed one and wanted one but unfortunately they don’t sell it in my country so I went with a macbook pro with the thinking that it will last me longer than anything else and that’s at least somewhat more eco friendly
Yea, back when I needed a laptop because my super old lenovo was on its death bed, it was when there was a chip shortage or whatever and System76 didn’t have the laptop I wanted in stock and Framework didn’t exist (i dont think? or it wasn’t shipping anytime soon) so I went with the a m1 macair. This this is incredibly in terms of price/perf & power/perf. I get tons of battery time. It’s insanely fast, doesn’t get hot at all and the build quality is better than any laptop I’ve owned to date. I probably wont need another laptop for a couple more years at least and I’ve had this since 2020.
When I upgrade to something else, I’ll probably hand this down to my wife or her mom tbh. So in terms of eco friendly, its going to get 6+ years of use most likely if not 10.
I purchased a 1st gen Framework in early 2022 because I strongly believe in the ethos of the company and even though I didn’t really need a laptop, I wanted to support the company.
Overall I’m quite happy with the laptop, there are definitely a few things that weren’t great on the 1st gen units, such as the speakers, hinges, and the battery life. Some of those I have since upgraded as they improved them in later years, and it now meets my needs pretty well.
Framework: We design our products to last, to reduce e-waste
Enthusiasts: buys their products even though they don’t need new ones, just because they’re cool, producing more e-waste in the process
/s
ultimately a lot of choice is left in the hands of the consumer
It’s true. My previous laptop was getting up there in age but it still had probably a year or two left of casual use after I replaced the battery. Thankfully my father found a use for it with one of his projects. Now I’m eyeing Framework’s new Ryzen mainboards and thinking of upgrading despite just buying this laptop last year. Yeah I can use my old mainboard as a home server, but I’ve been doing just fine without one.
If I do decide to upgrade, I don’t know how I’ll justify my subsequent upgrade until things stop working.
This should be the mandatory way for all computing. Hell, all products
I think they’re the go-to company if you want to get a laptop in 2023. I got my unit back in 2021 and used it every day since, and it has taken quite a beating. It went though several light impacts and one big drop but the only thing to show for it is a small dent on the back.
My only two complaints are
- After a year, the USB-C cable supplied with the laptop started to split open. I don’t know if this is only a defect in early batches but it’s worth noting.
- Suspend on Linux is an issue. Linux works great but it doesn’t suspend properly. Putting in this command as root
echo "deep" > /sys/power/mem_sleepwhich makes your system use deep sleep instead of s2idle which solved the issue but waking up from suspend is now 8-10 seconds instead of 2 seconds.
I expect these hardware issues and more to be fixed on newer boards and the framework 16 but I’ll continue to use my 13 and upgrade to an AMD board and use my intel board to make a mini PC. There’s really no reason to buy Dell, HP, or Lenovo anymore now that framework exist and has delivered on all their promises.
That sounds annoying, but manageable. To be fair, I’ve never had a Linux system that did suspend gracefully, so I’ve started to suspect it’s more a software issue with Linux in general.
I think they need to hurry and offer it in more countries. Been seeing the “we don’t sell in your country” message for too long now.
I’m going to get one for my next laptop.
I’ve tested out a couple different framework laptops and they are hands down one of the best manufacturers on the market these days
So I own a framework and use it as a personal device. I love it.
That said I will not be advocating my department replaces our dells with them until they have next day replacement devices (we are entirely remote so there is no “swing by the help desk to have someone fiddle with your computer”).
From linux perspective which is better, Framework or System76?
I have been looking to upgrade my laptop (i5-8250U) with something decent. I don’t game, so dont require heavy graphics that draws too much power.
For Linux support alone, System76 is better, because Framework’s resolution is a bit awkward, whether it’s 13" or 16".
Will have to dig about this. One of my primary reasons I want to upgrade is my laptop has a shitty 720p (1344x768) resolution.
I am looking for an absolute gorgeous display for my next laptop since I have the money to spare.
System76 is a bit strange. Their laptops are more expensive than other windows brands, while offering Linux. I’m not sure if it’s really worth going with them, as a lot of other laptops ca work with Linux. Tho maybe I missed something about their laptops.
Framework I think I saw some Poole saying it has some issues running Linux with some component incompatibilities. Tho you may want to do more research, maybe even opening some reddit threads and dodging useless comments.
I honestly dont mind paying a bit premium to System76 if they have good quality and better support for Linux.
I have grown tired of the cheap hinges that have been plaguing laptops.
Yeah… I’m not sure about the quality being really better than competition. Tho maybe Linux support may be better depending on what components different laptops use.
I’m 90% sure all of System76’s offerings are rebadged Clevo laptops.
There’s an explanation of the relationship floating somewhere online, but yeah. S76 works with Clevo to design their products, then does the software and firmware support in-house. Clevo will offer their own product reusing portions—i.e. the chassis—of the S76 model.
The system76 system at least assures you that it will work with Linux. There are some stories here and there about some laptop part not working beacuse of lack of support for Linux. Other than that i see no reason at all and likely any other laptop will work with linux as well , its just not as certain.
My experience with Linux on my Framework has been pretty good but admittedly not perfect. If you want an idea you can check out the Arch Wiki’s Framework page. Personally I think the repairability and upgradability of Framework outweighs the marginal increased Linux support you get with System76 (assuming they have no issues), but Linux isn’t as big a priority for Framework as it is for System76.
These laptops look extremely affordable and I like how modular they are. The next time I need to replace my laptop I’ll probably go with Framework.
When i ordered mine, they didnt have a US version. So i ordered a German model, and a keyboard (the German Model was overstock and discounted). And just swapped the keyboard.
It took about 30 minutes and probably 100 screws but it was simple.
My laptop is 4 years old at this point. I spent $2400 on it before I wanted something future proof, and while it’s still plenty fast with it’s 10th gen Intel processor and 32gb ram, knowing that I could drop $500 and upgrade to the latest AMD or Intel chip makes me wish I could have held out another year and gotten the framework.
Given that we’ve more or less peaked in terms of non-gaming performance I probably won’t be buying another laptop until this one dies but my next laptop will be a framework without question as well.
There will certainly be things that make both games and non-games faster. We’re not at the limit of packaging density yet, and a lot of non-gaming workloads can take more advantage of multiple cores. Games tend to only take advantage of the number of cores available to them in whatever the latest generation of consoles have.
That said, laptops tend to get bounded by their ability to get rid of heat more than anything else. My Framework (an Intel 1280P) underclocks itself to 3GHz under sustained loads (from a max of 4.8GHz). Top end CPU is a bit of a waste with the amount of space it could possibly use to cool itself.
