Live data from Hacker News

The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

pluralistic.net

661–670 of 1001 posts

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

#661

I like what they are doing, but I am sticking with my 2 primary thinkpads for now, which is fine as well and certainly eco :) They are still a perfect level of repairability (t430s and a t470p) even if I can't upgrade the CPUs on them. I am excited over seeing this project, but these things have stuck out for me: 1. I am concerned over long-term screen hinge strength. I can't see the build on it, but I will not cheap…

The case/hinges has always been the first thing to fall apart in all my passed laptops. This is the third and the plastic case is showing age. The other two are still running well but they can't be moved around at all no more. Basically I want something as tough as an Apple Macbook but without Apple crap on it (I need Linux). My next laptop will have the best case and hinges or there won't be another one. I can't sta…

I've been using a Thinkpad T470 for the past 2 years, and the hinges are really solid... they look like they'll last many more years. I had a couple of T400s before which basically disintegrated around the hinges, so I know whereof you speak, but at least this series of Thinkpads don't seem to suffer from that problem... looks like they learned their lesson.

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

#662

The baseline, preassembled model starts at $1000. Windows 10 Home, quad-core i5, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, a nice 2256x1504 display, thin and light (1.3kg, 11.7" x 9" x 0.6"). Compare that to your other thin and light options at this pricepoint. XPS 13, $1020 * i5 * 8 GB RAM * 256 GB storage * 1920 x 1200 display * 1.2 kg, 11.6" x 7.8" x 0.6" MacBook Pro: $1300 * M1 * 8 GB RAM * 256 GB storage * 2560 x 1600 display *…

It doesn't look like a no-brainer to me (already a Mac user). The MBP has a better screen, better battery life, performance, has a metal body, is completely silent and has nicer software. That said, you should get the Air instead which is $999 with almost exactly the same specs, minus the annoying touch bar, and a tad lighter at 1.29kg.

I actively prefer Linux to OSX, but I'm bullish on the M1. It's shocking how performant & battery frugal it is for shipping without a fan

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

#663
post #46

The author spent some time explaining the need to have a reliable laptop and spending $150 for 24-hour service and having two Powerbooks at once. But there was no mention of anything about reliability and repairs (well, replacement parts) for the Framework. I'm curious if he plans to keep a second Framework laptop in case parts are sold out, take too long to ship, etc.

He might have to. As far as I can tell they haven’t even started selling individual parts yet. They all just say “Coming soon” on the website. I’m not sure what they are waiting for.

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

#664

I like what they are doing, but I am sticking with my 2 primary thinkpads for now, which is fine as well and certainly eco :) They are still a perfect level of repairability (t430s and a t470p) even if I can't upgrade the CPUs on them. I am excited over seeing this project, but these things have stuck out for me: 1. I am concerned over long-term screen hinge strength. I can't see the build on it, but I will not cheap…

The case/hinges has always been the first thing to fall apart in all my passed laptops. This is the third and the plastic case is showing age. The other two are still running well but they can't be moved around at all no more. Basically I want something as tough as an Apple Macbook but without Apple crap on it (I need Linux). My next laptop will have the best case and hinges or there won't be another one. I can't sta…

> Basically I want something as tough as an Apple Macbook but without Apple crap on it

So, a Surface Laptop 3?

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

#666
post #466

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I use a mechanical keyboard with a trackpoint. Not having a trackpoint means that I don't even have to think about whether I will buy a laptop, I already know that I won't. Same here. TEX Shinobi?

Yep.

:) We are legion

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

#667
post #68

>I've bought a new Thinkpad almost every year since 2006. Why? I bought a thinkpad and used it for 7 years. Who needs a new laptop every year? Especially these days Sorry I know it's besides the point of the article but it stood out to me

He discusses his reasons in the article, it was a reward to himself for quitting smoking.

that's not really a reason why you would need/want that though. Like my gripe isn't that he's wasting money, it's that there is no point to doing so because there's no tangible improvement between one generation and the next. So I guess it is an answer to a "why" but not the "why" I mean, if that makes sense

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

#668

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It doesn't look like a no-brainer to me (already a Mac user). The MBP has a better screen, better battery life, performance, has a metal body, is completely silent and has nicer software. That said, you should get the Air instead which is $999 with almost exactly the same specs, minus the annoying touch bar, and a tad lighter at 1.29kg.

Actually, that's the issue with my MBPR from 2012: it has a 2560x1600 screen, as in, highly non-standard. It is neither 1920 wide, nor is it 16:9. If I had the option to have purchased it with 1920x1080, I would have.

Far from being highly non-standard, 2560x1600 was the standard resolution of 30 inch monitors from 2004 to at least 2014.

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

#669

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I find it hilarious that we spend multiple thousands of dollars on sleek, elegant hardware and then hook up chunky plastic dongles to overcome their bad hardware interfaces. So I love the idea of these ports (agreed, they're basically "recessed dongles"). I couldn't lose them / forget them. They wouldn't take up space in my bag while I'm traveling. I could "set and forget" them to perfectly match whatever desktop / d…

I don't understand the logic. When the original usb-c MBP came out I spent $30 on Monoprice for usb-c to whatever cables and never looked back. I even still have many of those cables 3 laptops later. People would actually comment about dongle gate in Meetups and I'd show them my usb-c to micro-usb cable... ...oh the look of shock in their eyes... "You mean... you never bought a dongle?". The concept of a cable with u…

I had that complaint when working in a 5 story building and spending a third of my awake hours in meetings here and there.

That 30$ dongle become either a dangling bit you'll have on your laptop all day, it will be hiting stuff, get under the laptop, or worse case scenario stuck between the screen and the keyboard when you don't pay attention. As it'd always dangling it also become loose over time and get flacky accordingly.

Back then having a HDMI port was standard, no dongle being the norm. So yeah, having the choice between needing a permanent dongle or not, the answer is obvious.

What changed for me is WFH, otherwise I thing I'd still wish for no dongle until USB-C projectors and displays rule the world.

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

#670
I can't help but feel as though the people who agree with Apple's (and many copy cats) insistence on USB-C only and refusal to put a single USB A or HDMI port in the computer are simply out of touch. The only people I know who like it always cite the same thing: "docking stations". But if you had a laptop with 1 USB-C you could still use your docking station, but the _vast_ majority of users wouldn't have the struggle to find/buy/maintain/pack up/not lose their USB-C to HDMI and USB-A dongle. Every non-hardcore laptop user I know _hates_ not having a HDMI port and having to use a tiny dongle to plug in their mouse. And the desk docking stations they have all suck. They end up using 4k monitors at 30hz because their docking station can't handle it. And _they don't notice_ because their accustomed to computers sucking.

When I see a fat laptop with ports. I am happy.

The framework wins for me because of repairability. But I know countless people will love the customizability of the ports.

Post reply on HN