Recent and probably related:
I'm returning my Framework 16 - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46375174 - Dec 2025 (576 comments)
I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
241–250 of 314 posts
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#242Relevant to "I'm returning my Framework Laptop" from a day or two ago (500+ comments): https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46375174 I think the Framework model (OTC/commodity parts + mainboard) is neat, but what Beelink and others in the MiniPC space are doing is much more useful and compelling for someone who needs a modern, extensible system. My work doesn't require a lot of local compute (or repairs), so there's…
What is beelink doing?
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#243The really special thing about Frameworks is that you can quickly buy and replace basically any part, not just the usual RAM and SSD -- case in point, when I managed to damage my FW13's keyboard such that it was no longer usable, I could just... go straight to Framework's website and buy a new one for $40. And, I even had the option of a slightly improved one, that shed the Windows key and lacked the god-awful copilo…
I was hoping that this is how it would work for System76 -- when I bought the laptop they sold replacement batteries. Five years later I find myself needing a battery and they are unavailable -- not on System76's website, not online, nowhere. My only option is to either replace the laptop or buy a used one and take the battery from that, hoping that it's good. For the last six months I've just been using a laptop as…
Depending on the model you might be able to find it online. My system 76 had a “Clevo” ID on the bottom sticker ( the company that manufactures the computers) I used to buy a replacement fan.
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#244Earlier quoted context omitted.
That'll probably be the last time that happens since a lot of places are starting to require parts be made available for some years after the last sale of the device.
I noticed that the battery properties (voltage, etc) were uncommon, as I considered other batteries that would physically fit within the available space. At the end of the day it's probably worth replacing it with something that probably won't burn my house down. I almost pulled the trigger on a mini PC over the summer, but said "the laptop still works, you don't really need this" and now it would be 30 or 40% more b…
Need a custom battery shop that can scan and build everything.
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#245Earlier quoted context omitted.
I was hoping that this is how it would work for System76 -- when I bought the laptop they sold replacement batteries. Five years later I find myself needing a battery and they are unavailable -- not on System76's website, not online, nowhere. My only option is to either replace the laptop or buy a used one and take the battery from that, hoping that it's good. For the last six months I've just been using a laptop as…
Depending on the model you might be able to find it online. My system 76 had a “Clevo” ID on the bottom sticker ( the company that manufactures the computers) I used to buy a replacement fan.
I went that route. The OEM is no longer making the part, and it is not stocked anywhere.
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#246I work international (somewhat of a digital nomad) so perhaps I’m an outlier in my usage. I have an M1 MacBook Pro that I bought new at release. I can’t replace the memory or storage. But so far I didn’t need to do that. In case it breaks, I walk to my nearby electronics store and purchase a new MacBook Pro. With Time Machine restore I am up an running within an hour. The M1 goes onto the pile of stuff to repair late…
How about buying (and installing) two cheap laptops, say used Thinkpads (or Framework!?), and then backing up $HOME (and maybe list of installed packages) at one's convenience? These are nowadays light enough to carry around when traveling with luggage. If deemed too heavy, at least a Thinkpad likely is on sale closeby and `dd`ing an ISO image, installing the missing packages and copying $HOME should not take too long.
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#247Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is the US layout that stands out. The UK layout follows ISO 9995, which most other countries also follow.
And I thank god every day we don't. The ISO keyboard is awful. Left shift is too important of a key to be 1u. I don't need a massive enter key that lives on two rows. Just insane choices.
The big enter key I do like.
But I’ve ended up using a split keyboard where every key is 1u. All language layouts map to the physical layout in basically the same way.
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#248Earlier quoted context omitted.
The problem is that the Framework starts so far behind in performance and battery efficiency of a cheaper Macbook that you aren’t saving money on perf upgrades. You really do have to buy it for the idea rather than the reality.
Find me a new MacBook Air that’s $1000 for 2TB of storage + 32GB of RAM, because that’s what I paid for my Framework 13 brand new (before RAM insanity, but this would still only cost about $1200 today). A $50 battery pack solved the battery efficiency problem. So for a little extra weight (external battery + FW13 weighs the same as a MB Pro 14”) I get a lot more actual capability in places that matters than a base Ma…
There are all sorts of other things that don't show up on a spec sheet so easily that Framework isn't competitive on.
It has a diving board trackpad, significantly worse speakers, no zonal dimming on the display (comparing to MacBook Pro, which higher end specs of the Framework cost as much as), general poor body rigidity, an aggressive fan curve that ramps up audibly on short loads (the Air doesn't even have a fan and the Pro can handle a couple mins of all-core 100% load without becoming audible), etc etc.
As much as I dislike Apple's business practices it's undeniable that other vendors are generally selling significantly cheaper feeling devices at the same price point. These are not niche things, you feel the cheapness on the Framework with every touchpad click, short bursty CPU task, HDR video, audio playback, heck even picking it up off the desk.
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#249Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don't know about you, but every laptop I've had suffered some sort of malfunction sooner or later and I never bothered to have them serviced because it was too much of a hassle - especially seeing how a friend of mine outright battled Lenovo support over mundane things like a failing keyboard despite everything being still in warranty. Specific issues by laptop: 1. Pressure marks on screen, failing USB ports, crack…
Used mba bought in 2013, taken right around Africa in a 4x4 through 35 countries, sold in 2019. Never an issue. Used mbp bought in 2019, taken through a dozen countries in a 4x4, sold in 2022. Never an issue. Used M1 mba bought in 2022, taken to twenty countries, never an issue. I do heavy photo and 4K video editing, light dev work, writing, web. I restart at most once a year.
Similar here. When I trade in my old MacBooks after 4-6 years of use they function like new and look almost new, and I do plenty of moderate-heavy dev work and traveling.
I have a nearly 5 year old ThinkPad that's in great condition too. Never needed a repair, though it's had a couple of spells where it acted funky that resolved themselves.
Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13
#250As someone not swimming in piles of cash, I can't bring myself to get a framework laptop. Ironically enough, new ThinkPads, which are on sale pretty regularly, end up being much nicer, solidly built, more performant, and with an awesome warranty, even in my shithole region.