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Comparing the Framework Laptop with the MacBook Air M2: A Detailed Review

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Re: Comparing the Framework Laptop with the MacBook Air M2: A Detailed Review

#21

Post by OJFord »

simpaticoder wrote: post #9

My first-gen Framework 13 with Ubuntu is usable, but has major issues around power. Battery life is very poor compared to ordinary laptops (I get ~3 hours of web browsing and light coding), and compared to M-series Macbooks (which have extraordinary battery life >8 hours) it is abysmal. Suspend/resume often fails in strange ways, and occasionally even power on is problematic (e.g. battery is full but it won't turn on…

> My first-gen Framework 13 with Ubuntu [...] (I get ~3 hours of web browsing and light coding)

Mine is significantly better than that, I don't mind saying it doesn't last as long as my (I think M3 Max) MBP, but it's not that bad. I use Arch rather than Ubuntu, and I think have 'tlp' or something installed as generally recommended (for any laptop), but haven't otherwise done anything special. I haven't even updated the firmware/BIOS, which I think is supposed to offer a battery life improvement.

Re: Comparing the Framework Laptop with the MacBook Air M2: A Detailed Review

#23

Post by langsoul-com »

Cannot really compare framework to air m2. Just the chip alone makes a major difference.

But most importantly, being modular adds extra weight and size. So completely different leagues. Better off comparing the arm windows laptop to the air m2

Re: Comparing the Framework Laptop with the MacBook Air M2: A Detailed Review

#25

Post by kibwen »

wpm wrote: post #10

Non inverted-T arrow keys make the Framework 13 a non-starter for me. I hated the full size Left/Right keys on the post Retina MacBook Pros, and Apple didn’t change it back just for me either so I don’t get why any manufacturer would try it.

The keyboard is swappable. On the storefront here I can see keyboards that do have the inverted-T: https://frame.work/marketplace/keyboards

Re: Comparing the Framework Laptop with the MacBook Air M2: A Detailed Review

#26

Post by zamadatix »

I desperately wanted to get a Framework laptop but they are so oddly priced. Some of it's on stuff you can opt out of, other bits aren't. Overall it seems nice to use but so hard to justify anything but the base options.

On the stuff you can opt out of: Their 2x16 GB DDR5-5600 costs nearly as much as 2x32 GB DDR5-5600. The exact same model of WD 4 TB drive costs $250 more than WD sells it for on Amazon. Based on the $1640 price it looks like the author didn't opt to order these separate despite picking the DIY option.

On the stuff you can't opt out of: It's $300 price difference to go up to the 7840U. On the 16 it's another $200 to go up from the 7840HS to the 7940HS. Considering right now I can get a barebone 7940HS mini pc for $432 after instant coupon on Amazon it seems a bit steep to have the price _difference_ between the 7640U and 7940HS be $500. You can also get an external 2560x1600 120 Hz 500 nit monitor for less than the price to upgrade from the 60hz to 120hz option on the Framework. I get high base cost for a niche product but the overall spread here is just excessive when the whole point is supposed to be how much the flexibility opens things up. What good are replaceable parts if replacing them will quickly cost more than just buying a new laptop outright?

The Linux support is nice but it's not like it's the only AMD or Intel laptop with Linux certified accessories out of the box around.

Re: Comparing the Framework Laptop with the MacBook Air M2: A Detailed Review

#27

Post by zamadatix »

danpalmer wrote: post #20

One key thing not mentioned is OS support. I own an M2 MBA for personal use, and have an M2 MBP at work, specifically because they feature macOS. I realise that is not to everyone's taste, but it is mine, it's where I'm productive, and what I enjoy using. This is a spec-point worth something to me as a result. For those who prefer Linux, that may be a spec point worth something too! I love many things about the Frame…

> One key thing not mentioned is OS support.

OS support is the final section, they gave it a point for having solid Linux support.

Re: Comparing the Framework Laptop with the MacBook Air M2: A Detailed Review

#28

Post by OJFord »

cortesoft wrote: post #11
ericpauley wrote: post #2

> What I want to criticize is that Apple would rather re-add Magsafe than add another USB-C port, making one wonder if they are really clearing out old inventory. This is so minor, but clearly MagSafe isn’t about clearing out old inventory because it’s a different connector than old MagSafe.

Also, MagSafe is way better for charging than USB-C, since you can’t damage it if the cable is pulled.

Have you ever had that be a problem though? In my experience USB (any type) pulls out anyway.

I do find MagSafe appealing, but not enough, not if it's not what everyone's using. If it were a feature of USB-C it'd be great; as a separate thing, no, I'd rather have a non-magnetic USB-C.

(Haven't used the MagSafe port or cable on mine yet, and don't expect to.)

Re: Comparing the Framework Laptop with the MacBook Air M2: A Detailed Review

#29

Post by krsdcbl »

ericpauley wrote: post #2

> What I want to criticize is that Apple would rather re-add Magsafe than add another USB-C port, making one wonder if they are really clearing out old inventory. This is so minor, but clearly MagSafe isn’t about clearing out old inventory because it’s a different connector than old MagSafe.

I'm rather reading this as a reaction to EU law making standardized usb c mandatory on phones.
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