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The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

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

#761
post #406

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> arrow keys as Apple does it No. NO!!

poster is probably referring to this: https://images.idgesg.net/images/article/2019/11/16in-macboo... The left, right, and down arrow keys all on one level, and the up arrow key alone above the down arrow key. Makes it easy to find the right key by touch alone.

What they've got now on the Framework is just "arrow keys as Apple did it": they used this full-height/half-height combo for a while but have since returned to the "inverted T" with all half-height as you describe.

I think the sense that space is wasted by those deadzones above the left and right keys is a powerful motivator of these "hybrid" keyboard designs. I do prefer to have them all half-height if any of them are, as it does make it easier for me to "touch type" the arrows.

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

#762

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I did think it odd that he was talking about the durability of a product that he'd barely unwrapped. But his other points seem cogent, and are orthogonal to how long he's used any of the products.

I don’t think he really talks about the durability, as much as the repairability. For example, he notes that he hasn’t road tested it yet: > However! Most of my use of this computer was from my sofa, while I was recovering from hip-replacement surgery. I haven't road-tested it at all. > But I'll note here that if it turned out that a component failed due to my usual rough handling, I could replace it with a standard…

“It puts the lie to every claim that portability and reliability can't coexist with long-lasting, durable, upgradeable, sustainable hardware.”

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

#763
post #60

I am growing increasingly unhappy with Thinkpads in general, but as far as I know there is no real alternative for TrackPoint users. There are some that have a TrackPoint but they lack three physical mouse button that are in reach of ones thumbs.

Thinkpad TrapPoint :/

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

#764
post #758

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, you can. Check out the "Framework Laptop DIY Edition". You can select to have it built without an OS.

Ah. I stand corrected. Thank you!

Here's an overview on the state of Linux support, and the community forums are also a great source if you want details on a specific distro. But basically Ubuntu 21.04 works out of the box, and I'm currently on 20.04 LTS, which required some minor work arounds.

https://frame.work/blog/linux-on-the-framework-laptop

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

#765

> From now on, I can easily see myself upgrading the CPU or the screen on an annual basis how feasible is this, given that sockets and chipsets change every 2 years? also, the ultra low voltage / TDP parts are rarely available for purchase by end users.

The theoretical process of upgrading the CPU on the Framework is buying a new motherboard from them, so sockets (there aren't really socketed mobile CPUs anyway) and chipsets changing wouldn't be a problem.

How often they'll actually have new options, how much they'll cost, and how long they'll stick to the compatible form factor from these initial units are definite question marks that will only become clear over time.

For Framework themselves, assuming they survive long enough for it to be a problem, the balance between new customers and entirely new machines and upgrades (and what that looks like in terms of margins) will presumably be a potential challenge, also.

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

#766
post #748

Which linuxes work well with it? Anyone from framework here to provide an ETA on int’l availability timeframe? (Specifically Australia!)

Ubuntu 21.04 works out of the box, and the main issues with older distros are mostly due to missing drivers. See details below.

https://frame.work/blog/linux-on-the-framework-laptop

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

#768

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How is the state of linux power saving (i.e., mobile battery life) in 2021? Last time I checked you could expect to get almost 2x the battery life on equivalent hardware with Windows or Mac OS.

When I bought my T440s in 2013 (8 years ago now), I could push it to 18 hours with wifi off. And could get 10 hours plus with wifi. I seriously doubt Windows or Mac OS would have gotten much more juice out of it.

I currently use a T440S, with Arch Linux, and fairly recently replaced batteries. I feel like I only get 5 hours or so. Although if I’m on my work computer, with my T440s open next to me and I’m lightly using it throughout the day then it easily lasts all day, with like 30-40% remaining at the end of the workday. My biggest beef is that the replacement batteries these days seem bad - even brand new Lenovo brand ones degrade really fast. My assumption is that they’re not being manufactured anymore, and so a “new” battery is actually new old stock and has been sitting around for years. I am tempted to upgrade to a newer laptop.

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

#769

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The single-thread performance of the M1 doesn't get close to the competition at its power level, even a year after its release. [0] The top item in the list is the M1, a 10W CPU. The second is an Intel requiring 125W. The highest-scoring i5 also requires 125W, and is 15th in the list. Just a reminder that the M1 MacBook Air has no fan, and is still at the top. When choosing a laptop you of course look are more factor…

> the M1 is a no-brainer I don't use MacOS, is it still a no-brainer?

Yes, it’s a no-brainer for you to not choose it.

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

#770

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 like Mac OS and apple products ecosystem. For me, those things plus the nice premium build quality are key and worth the extra costs.

I don’t use windows and not really a fan of spending like 24 hours a year just dealing with Linux driver issues and other headaches only to have a worse user experience.

That’s just my preference though so I’m probably never getting the foundation laptop but think it’s a cool product.

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