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Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

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Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#131

Post by jszymborski »

anthonj wrote: post #36
SCdF wrote: post #17

I agree with their conclusion. I somewhat regret buying my framework laptop at this stage, because the answer to every fault is "buy a new component, from framework". I'm not sure I blame them for this really, but there is no competitive market of parts (or really any market at all), which means that the reality is that you're just locking your money to them. They also often have stock issues, so woe betide you if yo…

My conspiracy theory is that selling parts is pretty much their main business case. A modular gpu using a new standard that is form-factor specific for only a specific model? Matte panel released a few months after the first 13.5 model was released with glossy panel as only option? It sounds a bit fishy to me. But maybe I'm just a bit too cynical .

I mean, sure? Every other laptop company's main business is to sell laptops, so if you want those features or often time even a repair, you have to buy a whole new laptop. If you're Apple, you might need to buy a new laptop for a memory upgrade.

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#132

Post by reedlaw »

I'm on my third mainboard trying to combat what seems to be an AMD platform issue that causes random freeze-then-reset events. It doesn't just affect Framework. If you search AMD Data Fabric Sync Flood you'll find a lot of discussion across various forums. The open Framework issue is: https://github.com/FrameworkComputer/SoftwareFirmwareIssueTr...

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#133

Post by jerlam »

gonzalohm wrote: post #2

A bit off-topic, but kind of relevant. I firmly believe that if installing custom firmware voids the warranty of a device, installing official updates should extend the warranty. I'm tired of sloppy updates or change of behavior that mess with how I use MY device. At this point, I'm convinced Google is doing this on purpose. My Google TV has become slow since the Gemini update, which I wasn't asked if I wanted it. My…

Google seems to have "directives from high" where they shoehorn the latest fad into all their existing devices, regardless of whether it works or not, on a tight schedule. Gemini is the latest one.

I had Google WiFi points that worked fine, and then there was a directive to merge them into Google Home. They didn't show up correctly in the Home app for a year or so.

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#134

Post by jszymborski »

gonzalohm wrote: post #2

A bit off-topic, but kind of relevant. I firmly believe that if installing custom firmware voids the warranty of a device, installing official updates should extend the warranty. I'm tired of sloppy updates or change of behavior that mess with how I use MY device. At this point, I'm convinced Google is doing this on purpose. My Google TV has become slow since the Gemini update, which I wasn't asked if I wanted it. My…

IANAL but I'm pretty sure the authors of software are liable for damages to property their software might cause. Regardless of whether that is the case, legislation should be enacted to ensure this and make complaints/remuneration standard and easy to extract without the costs of taking a huge company to court.

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#135

Post by alt227 »

cschep wrote: post #124

The lack of support from Framework is so damning. Nirav has been a fun CEO to watch, but this feels like a huge, huge miss. Can anyone defend this? Why would anyone purchase anything from this company ever again?

When your laptop dies what would you prefer, to be able to buy the specific broken part easily and replace it yourself or be forced to buy an entire new laptop?

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#136

Post by artisinal »

lopis wrote: post #85
thisislife2 wrote: post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You make a good point. And they do have the industrial knowledge / experience to create higher quality parts than Framework. But note that the value difference between Framework's offering and the others you cited is that repairability is today a lower priority for them (due to prioritising planned obsolescence), where as it is the core value around which the Framework business is built. Why aren't we seeing more mod…

Each new Fairphone has pushed the boundaries of what a modular and repairable phone can be, but people must accept that it comes with a very significantly higher price (although in their case that's not only because it's modular, but also fairer wages, more ethical metals, etc). The average person is not willing to pay twice as much for a repairable phone.

And don’t forget about parts availability. I can get a new screen for a 15 year old iPhone on AliExpress. I doubt you will be able to buy Fairphone 6 parts in 15 years.

A Fairphone is repairable right now but might not be in the future.

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#137

Post by cschep »

jszymborski wrote: post #129
cschep wrote: post #124

The lack of support from Framework is so damning. Nirav has been a fun CEO to watch, but this feels like a huge, huge miss. Can anyone defend this? Why would anyone purchase anything from this company ever again?

I've had Dell XPSs and Lenovo Thinkpads exclusively prior to Framework, and they all died by component failure. Sure, Dell will send a technician to your house and Lenovo has off-shore call centers, but the end result is the same: either buy an eye-wateringly expensive warranty that won't cover most failures or buy a new laptop. While I'm all for stronger consumer regulation when it comes to this stuff, on balance I…

Can you really compare failing components to an optional update they sent you an email to encourage you to install that bricks your working laptop? This is 100% their responsibility to test thoroughly before recommending right?

I agree nothing is perfect in the grand scheme, there are always trade offs. But using that as argument against this specific failure being wrong and bad doesn't help IMO. Framework should handle this better, and maybe they still will.

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#138

Post by cschep »

alt227 wrote: post #135
cschep wrote: post #124

The lack of support from Framework is so damning. Nirav has been a fun CEO to watch, but this feels like a huge, huge miss. Can anyone defend this? Why would anyone purchase anything from this company ever again?

When your laptop dies what would you prefer, to be able to buy the specific broken part easily and replace it yourself or be forced to buy an entire new laptop?

I expect an optional update to not brick my laptop, and if it does, the company to fully replace it because they own the fact that they fucked up.

Completely unrelated: Yes! I do prefer to be able to replace specific broken parts when they die. That sure doesn't apply to this situation though does it?

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#139

Post by SECProto »

cschep wrote: post #124

The lack of support from Framework is so damning. Nirav has been a fun CEO to watch, but this feels like a huge, huge miss. Can anyone defend this? Why would anyone purchase anything from this company ever again?

> Can anyone defend this? Why would anyone purchase anything from this company ever again?

I mean, if you want my personal reason - I assume any company warranty is barely worth the paper it's printed on - I'm very hesitant to do a bios update ever, only to address specific issues. So yea, I'd buy another framework (currently have a 12, and I love it despite the many flaws)

Re: Fixing a bricked Framework laptop

#140

Post by alt227 »

1saadcodes wrote: post #102

I really like what Framework is trying to do but this story is very hard to ignore. If a failed BIOS update can brick the machine, and the official solution is a CA$500+ motherboard (that's about $350+ USD I belieive), there's still a pretty big gap between being modular and being truly repairable Not to mention there are no "alternatives" that you can look into to purchase these replacements. You are essentially jus…

> a failed BIOS update can brick the machine

As far as I am aware a failed bios/firmware update on any device can cause it to brick, thats why they always come with massive warnings everywhere. I personally do not just do bios updates because some OEM marketing said so. The old saying does me well, "If it aint broke dont fix it"

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