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NixOS on Framework Laptop

kvark.github.io

61–70 of 250 posts

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#61
post #24

I take it the big vendors (HP, Dell, etc) are now going to start adopting Framework's business model? If not the obviously somebody's gonna try and buy them for billions.

We hope to see others come along, but it’s not easy to transform a large business built around a replacement cycle into one centered on longevity. There are at least encouraging signs of some OEM’s becoming less anti-repair, like Microsoft’s recent announcement.

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#62
post #48

is it possible to install coreboot or libreboot on this thing? does it have something equivalent to the intel management engine?

No, they're using a proprietary BIOS and firmware for the embedded controller. The hardware is all Intel and of course it has a management engine[1], even all the nasty vPro "features". From the software freedom point of view it's very much a no go, although they are apparently going to release the firmware sources and looking into coreboot[2]. [1]: https://community.frame.work/t/does-intel-chip-have-intels-m... [2]:…

This is a good spot to mention that we’re hiring a Firmware Engineer, and we’d love to bring someone on who has coreboot experience: https://jobs.lever.co/framework/af82bd1b-7ebd-46da-8ae4-7dab...

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you do NixOS without systemd? If not, I'd look elsewhere for the distro. Maybe Guix?

Just take the time to learn systemd. Once you do, like nix, it saves so much time

Good parts of SystemD are good, bad parts are bad. SystemD is easy to use when it fits your needs, but pain to use otherwise.

For example, `systemd-analyze` is a good tool for boot performance analysis, so + for systemd, but if I want/need to use perf for boot performance analysis, then systemd stands in my way, while for initd it's just yet another boot mode.

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#64

For all framework laptop owners, I'm considering to buy this for myself this christmas. My previous laptop I owned are mostly MBP, laptop from work is mbp, and my own gaming PC. 1 of the reason why I like MBP is the sturdiness and build quality, but i'm ready to go on diy stuff and leave apple for my next laptop. I was watching Dave2D video but when I saw the spring of the hinge when opening the laptop and the flex o…

I had similar concerns before getting mine. The build quality is definitely not as high end as a mbp but it's acceptable. I'm happy with it although I do hope they make future versions more sturdy.

The track pad is basically the same story. No real complaints but it could be better.

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#65
post #2

Nice. Framework is super exciting, but I hope they release more cad files for the laptop so third parties can make e.g. keyboards and motherboards. Would be a bummer if their business model is lock-in on everything but the expansion cards. I’d love to put an underpowered qcom or nxp arm64 chip in and get insane battery life, but that doesn’t seem likely for a while since it needs 4x usb4 :/. Even the Xavier nx SoM on…

We started with Expansion Cards because they are they simplest both for us to release a documentation package around and for a third party to develop. We will be expanding out from there though.

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#66

Anyone know if they're planning on having a keyboard available that uses full-size up/down keys? (Or, if framework laptops are built such that you could easily swap out the keyboard in the future if they do?) This looks super interesting for a long-term laptop, but small arrow keys bring me so much day-to-day anguish I wouldn't want to suffer through them long-term.

In re the latter, yes, they list a load of variations (most 'coming soon') of ANSI/ISO and regional keycaps on the site, and AIUI they're all compatible.

Of course, Framework doesn't want to have to manufacture different chassis or whatever for them either, so it's believable and makes sense. (And I'm sure it's true on some level for competitors, even Apple - surely it's basically compatible and swappable, they just don't sell them.)

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#68
post #44

Earlier quoted context omitted.

import framework.nix {}

The post itself shows that it is non-trivial to even boot this hardware with Nix.

yes I know - I am implying a future where they Just Work and we do the hard work of building needed abstractions

my code is possible if people want it :) the real value of NixOS is hardware and OS config can be turned into libraries!

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#69
post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Doesn't running /boot without encryption open up a class of attacks?

Certainly. Security is always a balancing act. My primary concern is laptop being taken when traveling by Air or stolen. Encrypted root covers that, even with boot un-encrypted Unencrypted boot leaves me vulnerable to a malicious actor taking my laptop, modifing grub and/or linux kernel to send and/or store my password to unlock the boot volume and then handing my laptop back and me typing in my un-lock password Poss…

Isn't UEFI, if configured correctly, supposed to protect against this?

Re: NixOS on Framework Laptop

#70
post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Just take the time to learn systemd. Once you do, like nix, it saves so much time

systemd is so complex, I've come to a conclusion, that it no longer fits my definition of free software. We allow runaway complexity to obscure the inner workings of an important software package, to the point, where having source access no longer makes a practical difference to a "casual" power-user or even a software engineer. I can source-dive runit, s6, OpenBSD's rc, or OpenRC and within a weekend, have a pretty…

Have you actually tried to dive into the part you're interested in? Where did you find the complexity? I've done it a few times for different components and found them pretty well separated and the source pretty straightforward. I have other issues with them, but complexity/obscurity of the is was not one of them.
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