Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

pluralistic.net

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

451–460 of 1001 posts

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#451

Post by bink »

porb121 wrote: post #433
bambax wrote: post #432

> I've bought a new Thinkpad almost every year since 2006 But why?? If the current one isn't broken, why would you need to buy a new laptop and go through the hassle of setting it up? My laptop is from 2013 and is still fine. Parts of my desktop computer are from 2007 -- the case is from 1993, and nothing is more recent than 2015, and everything is running super smooth. Getting an entire new machine every single year…

Sometimes people describe their problems with some technology and it makes me realize that we live completely different lives. I can't imagine buying the same device year after year, whether that's a phone, laptop, or whatever.

Not only that but when they were using Macbooks they were apparently _buying two_ and keeping them in sync? I get some people can't be without a laptop for long periods of time but that seems absurd to me. Keep a backup disk. They even say they have a pile of old laptops that are presumably still usable.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#452

Post by 0-_-0 »

cantbudgeit wrote: post #299
RandyRanderson wrote: post #103

Very exciting. Hoping they will make something similar with: . 15 or 16 inch chassis . 4k display (OLED, if possible) . largest battery they allow on an airplane . no keypad . 2x speakers facing up . AMD, if possible . arrow keys as Apple does it . charge a premium for this - ppl will pay it!!! Basically just copy what Apple does but with a little customization. I know this would be difficult but hoping someone from…

4k Oled? On a 15" screen seems overkill. Also OLED displays still have ghosting problems. 1440p is the sweet spot IMO.

Ghosting? OLED is way beyond LCD:

https://youtu.be/Qtve0u3GJ9Y?t=686

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#453

Post by CitrusFruits »

bambax wrote: post #432

> I've bought a new Thinkpad almost every year since 2006 But why?? If the current one isn't broken, why would you need to buy a new laptop and go through the hassle of setting it up? My laptop is from 2013 and is still fine. Parts of my desktop computer are from 2007 -- the case is from 1993, and nothing is more recent than 2015, and everything is running super smooth. Getting an entire new machine every single year…

If you read later on the author gives their rationale:

"I started buying a new laptop every year as a reward to myself for quitting smoking. ... The environmental consequences of that system weren't lost on me, even given my very good track-record of re-homing my old computers with people who needed them."

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#454

Post by olah_1 »

etbusch wrote: post #316
ericpauley wrote: post #253

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Maybe I need some convincing here. How is the "modular port" concept any different than a universal port with dongles (i.e., how Macs have been since 2016). To me the fact that the port attachments are recessed is little more than a gimmick. Especially as all of my devices have transitioned to USB-C anyway, dongles/"modular ports" feel more like a stopgap measure than one requiring a permanent form factor change.

Two things: They are replaceable when the external ports (USB-C or otherwise) wear out without the need for soldering or internal board replacement. The design of the modules is open source, meaning that anyone can design a module that fits their needs.

how does a port “wear out”? i’ve never heard of that

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#455

Post by pkulak »

amarshall wrote: post #410
RandyRanderson wrote: post #103

Very exciting. Hoping they will make something similar with: . 15 or 16 inch chassis . 4k display (OLED, if possible) . largest battery they allow on an airplane . no keypad . 2x speakers facing up . AMD, if possible . arrow keys as Apple does it . charge a premium for this - ppl will pay it!!! Basically just copy what Apple does but with a little customization. I know this would be difficult but hoping someone from…

> 4k display … Basically just copy what Apple does Apple doesn’t do this. Apple instead does the correct thing: target PPI. Apple keeps their laptops around 226 PPI. The Framework laptop is 200 PPI. Stop caring about absolute resolution and start thinking in PPI.

This is the one thing keeping me from buying a Framework. That resolution is so close to perfect... but not quite. Too high for 1x, too low for 2x. I'm hoping they will have a better screen option some day, or that there will be a way to replace the existing one.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#456

Post by ldh »

yupper32 wrote: post #345
destitude wrote: post #250

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because MacBooks can't be easily fixed by end-users or upgradeable.

How often does that actually need to happen these days? It feels like a solution looking for a problem.

Most people have never had to replace the starter in their automobile, but the ones that have sure are glad it's not spitefully welded in place just to make things difficult for them.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#457

Post by thinkingemote »

2OEH8eoCRo0 wrote: post #9

I wish that I needed a laptop so that I could buy one. I sincerely hope this company succeeds so that they are around when I do need a laptop. > Yesterday, I put my 2019 Thinkpad on my pile of "laptops to refurbish and donate." I've bought a new Thinkpad almost every year since 2006. I think that's over. wat

>wat

"Self described early adopter consumer sees early adopter friendly project and supports it"

One might see some cognitive dissonance between the state of mind of being pro recycling and supporting reduce and reuse and being an eager consumer. However early adopters dance this line and lead the way for the masses to come after.

All a matter of perspective or framing.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#458

Post by vmarsy »

> The little modular port attachments seemed like a novelty at first, but now it feels absurd that you'd buy a laptop with a bunch of "hardcoded" ports that you can't ever change

That's funny I remember laptops from the 2000s with those swappable cards with different ports.

One I distinctly remember because it was clever way to keep the card ~3mm thin were the Ethernet cards, where the Ethernet port was hidden inside and you'd press it to make it pop, similar to handleless kitchen cabinets.

I found a picture of those on Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/PC_Card The framework expansion port seems to be a 2021 version of this, although I don't know how standardized these new ones are.

EDIT: From the framework's configuration page:

> > Will you be adding additional Expansion Card types?

> Yes! We'll be adding new Expansion Cards over time, and we're also opening up the design to enable third parties and community members to create their own versions. We'll be making these available in the Framework Marketplace

That's awesome, then in theory Ethernet expansion card could exist (and use similar design to the PC cards above, where the Ethernet port can be retractable)

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#459

Post by amarshall »

pkulak wrote: post #455
amarshall wrote: post #410

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> 4k display … Basically just copy what Apple does Apple doesn’t do this. Apple instead does the correct thing: target PPI. Apple keeps their laptops around 226 PPI. The Framework laptop is 200 PPI. Stop caring about absolute resolution and start thinking in PPI.

This is the one thing keeping me from buying a Framework. That resolution is so close to perfect... but not quite. Too high for 1x, too low for 2x. I'm hoping they will have a better screen option some day, or that there will be a way to replace the existing one.

Really, OSes and applications need to be better at doing arbitrary DPI scaling. I should be able to say “scale everything 1.2x on this monitor”. On Linux, using GDK_DPI_SCALE & QT_SCALE_FACTOR works reasonably well on a single monitor if apps are respecting them.

Personally I think Apple’s PPI target for laptops is too low for 2x scaling.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#460

Post by TimTheTinker »

turtlebits wrote: post #321
dnr wrote: post #271

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is one of those religious arguments where no one will every change their mind, but I feel like a trackpad is the dumbest mouse interface and can't use anything but a trackpoint (or a mouse of course). Consider dragging and dropping: with a trackpoint you click with your thumb, then use your pointer finger to move the mouse cursor any distance you like, without moving your hand, then release. With a trackpad you…

While I'm not going to argue your preference for a trackpoint, dragging with a trackpad is not as you describe. You just leave your thumb "clicked" and reposition your index finger. IME, using a trackpoint is okay for smaller laptop screens, but going from monitor to monitor kinda sucks.

macOS has an option (in the accessibility prefs) to enable three-finger trackpad dragging.

It's incredible to use, especially in concert with Magnet (a window management app). Three-finger-drag a window to the top of the screen and it's instantly maximized. Selecting text is also a breeze.

Post reply on HN