Ask HN: Does the Framework laptop stand the test of time?

The last ThinkPad I was really happy with was the X61 I had though. I, however, got used to the track point, so I stocked. The Z13 is only half a ThinkPad but at least Lenovo did considerable engineering to solve the thermal issues of new processors fitted into the old ThinkPad design for 13 in. Now I only have tons of BIOS/firmware/driver issues. Often doesn't hibernate and spin loops until battery is empty and my whole bag is heated to 80°C. I think they are not able to manage all those absurd variants they created. Would try a framework if the marketplace had ThinkPad keyboards.

Framework 16+gpu had for almost one year. Pre-ordered and I think I have a "batch 3" or "batch 4" decice can't really remember.I agree with everyone the fit and finish is not as nice as other laptops of the same price range but I very much care about the repair ability and open eco system so I am willing to pay a bit extra. I love being able to swap out ports but honestly I think it adds some extra failure points. I was receiving random usb disconnection/reconnection sounds and eventually one expansion port on the motherboard stopped working. Haven't had the chance to call framework yet to get it fixed but I am sure they will.

The way I see the modular ports story is that the use-case is less being able to switch them, more getting the ports you want. I've got a usb c on either side, which I don't have with my work ThinkPad. I still have a usb a yubikey, so I can make sure to have that port. etc

Agreed on the battery unfortunately, on my first gen 13" it's just mediocre.

As an Framework owner this is something that nagged at me for a while. Am I justifying this cool novel and engadging thing over something else that is turn-key and objectively much better in several popular metrics?

Im lucky enough I was able to also get a later M1 13" to compare against the Framework 14". The MacBook is still an absolute marvel, and will outperform the PC in almost all metrics most noticeably in battery/heat. But many small things bring me back the the Framework even considering that gap. The size of the framework 14" is incidentally _perfect_ for me, keyboard and display. The MacBook gives me serious RSI. Linux over OSX (yes, asahi Linux exists and has come a long way but did not meet my needs). And having monstrous amounts of ram and hd compared to the MacBook... most of my workload is bound by memory and storage and the CPU very much works "well enough". And overall customizability and longevity clenches.

edit: sorry, but that is a great point. by the nature of it often needing some troubleshooting/intervention, it's going to encourage a very precious attitude. So, it's still very much a niche thing so if you more value cpu, battery, and things mostly just work and can live with OSX, a MacBook can be much much better.

I pre-ordered my 13" with an i7 in late 2021. As a long-time Linux user, the experience has been very plug-and-play with the installation, and everything has been working as expected.

During these years, I ended up opening the laptop multiple times: - upgraded the monitor hinges: this was a major annoyance when travelling. - went through support to get the mobo repaired/swapped as one of the ports broke for whatever reason - ended up moving to AMD mobo, while increasing RAM and SSD simultaneously. - I bought the Coolermaster case for the i7.

Overall, all of the above happened as advertised. I enjoyed putting my hands on it, and to be honest, the engineering quality that went into it still impresses me.

There are a number of issues that I still find below grade but don't really bother me: - the speakers are definitely not great, I saw there is an upgrade available for them, will look into it, still not my primary use. - the original monitor was glossy, so ended up with an anti-glare screen cover. I now see that you can also have a matte version and one with bigger resolution, never been an issue, but interesting to see. - the fingerprint scanner is a bit jiffy, but I figure this is mostly a linux issue. - the battery was a major downside at the beginning under the i7, but right now I don't see it being an issue, at least under AMD: I get a good amount of hours and playing a movie on battery is something I can do without issues, draining just a few percent off it. (I'm currently running tuned and tuned-ppd if you want to know).

I'm very happy with it mostly, if not exclusively due to its upgradability and linux support. I only wish there was more competition in this sector.