This pretty neat!
Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
11–20 of 25 posts
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#12Earlier quoted context omitted.
Except that the ports are essentially custom dongles that lock into the case. So instead of relying on the full market to make a usb-c to whatever dongle in the future, you’re relying on Framework to do it. A single company. This is not better.
As long as the specs for the mechanical port are stable, which there is incentive for as users would be angry if they had to rebuy, it is better. Third party companies could make compatible parts. I look at this laptop as a proof of concept for something we should all want to exist: a modular and repairable laptop. Just because it isn't perfect doesn't make it bad.
There’s a better chance that someone will release the design for people to 3D print their own.
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#13Earlier quoted context omitted.
As long as the specs for the mechanical port are stable, which there is incentive for as users would be angry if they had to rebuy, it is better. Third party companies could make compatible parts. I look at this laptop as a proof of concept for something we should all want to exist: a modular and repairable laptop. Just because it isn't perfect doesn't make it bad.
There’s a better chance that someone will release the design for people to 3D print their own.
It appears the company is pretty serious about trying to create an open market for the expansion cards. They have CC-BY licensed reference designs of the expansions cards (https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/ExpansionCards), and employees are in the forums answering questions and giving pretty forthright design advice (eg, https://community.frame.work/t/dual-usb-c-expansion-card-moc...). It also appears that they're giving funding to people developing them (eg, https://community.frame.work/t/rp2040-microcontroller-expans...).
I was enormously skeptical when I first heard about the company, as the history of computing is littered with the devices and prototypes of startups that suggested they were going to make something different and open and extensible, only to have those promises be completely overblown, and usually have communication become shady and vague. But while I'm not quite confident enough to buy one yet, and I'll be very interested to see how their ecosystem evolves over the next few months, it actually looks like they might be succeeding here.
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#14Earlier quoted context omitted.
There’s a better chance that someone will release the design for people to 3D print their own.
It appears the company is pretty serious about trying to create an open market for the expansion cards. They have CC-BY licensed reference designs of the expansions cards ( https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/ExpansionCards ), and employees are in the forums answering questions and giving pretty forthright design advice (eg, https://community.frame.work/t/dual-usb-c-expansion-card-moc... ). It also appears that they…
is the port used to connect the expansion card proprietary or does it use USB-C?
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#15It gets 10/10 for being replaceable. That's it. I have a Lenovo Thinkbook 13s that has slotted RAM and same spec as Framework's lowest model and it cost me £600 three years ago, this one costs $1000 (or £750) without tax. Seems a bit expensive because realistically all I would ever need to upgrade is memory. (I'd be careful upgrading the mobo/cpu/gpu without the ability to provide quality thermals to support the upgr…
refer to @cge comment below, looks like the company is pushing for an open market for the expansion cards.
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#16Earlier quoted context omitted.
Is that the right question? Does a company have to become mainstream?
Okay. But if it wants to continue to serve it existing customer base, it will need to make money. It will need to incentivize people to work for it which will need a lot of money too. Plus it will need to keep up with R&D needed to make laptops (though nowadays laptops are not jumping forward in terms of technology except for increase in processing power and storage). People in other countries may also want to buy it…
Another way to make money without having to detray customers is to... Ask for money. One Plus positioned itself as a cheap flagship killer by having paper thin margins and no marketing, and the moves to just make expensive phones like anyone else. Framework is not cheap and you get what you pay for.
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#17Earlier quoted context omitted.
It appears the company is pretty serious about trying to create an open market for the expansion cards. They have CC-BY licensed reference designs of the expansions cards ( https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/ExpansionCards ), and employees are in the forums answering questions and giving pretty forthright design advice (eg, https://community.frame.work/t/dual-usb-c-expansion-card-moc... ). It also appears that they…
is the port used to connect the expansion card proprietary or does it use USB-C?
Yes, so the Usb-C dongle is Usb-C to Usb-C.
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#18I understand the founders are pretty active here, I will ask a question: From the reviews the Framework display is pretty reflective/shinny, will you consider adding an option for a matte display that would be easier to use in moderate sunlight/outside? I wish you guys all the success and I hope the industry takes note of what tech should look like.
The display is easy to replace, but we don't currently have plans for alternate versions.
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#19It gets 10/10 for being replaceable. That's it. I have a Lenovo Thinkbook 13s that has slotted RAM and same spec as Framework's lowest model and it cost me £600 three years ago, this one costs $1000 (or £750) without tax. Seems a bit expensive because realistically all I would ever need to upgrade is memory. (I'd be careful upgrading the mobo/cpu/gpu without the ability to provide quality thermals to support the upgr…
I don't know about Lenovo, but on other laptops, I've upgraded hard drives, memory; even the wifi can be removed. This Framework Laptop does not impress.
Re: Framework Laptop gets 10/10, fully replaceable
#20There was a video on YouTube I watched years ago about how enthusiast brands will always betray its core user base. It was talking about One Plus and Essential. But I believe it applies to businesses in general. How will a company like this become mainstream? I hope something like this succeeds in the long-term but the way I see it most people don't want the hassle of worrying about how to repair their laptop or phon…
It's a rather common pattern in politics, that the people who you need in order to rise are not the same who you need in order to stay.
But yours is just a negative attitude. Framework could or could not betray its base, they could or could not fail and they could or could not be followed by other manufacturers.
In the meantime enjoy, if you want a fully serviceable laptop you have at least one option