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I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

blog.matthewbrunelle.com

261–270 of 314 posts

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#261
post #93

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I got a couple of type-A cards for my AMD FW13 and generally keep one loaded in the laptop for connecting to random junk like flash drives, charging cables for all sorts of widgets (like my bike light or head lamp), etc. I get dramatically more use out of the type-C cards. And in the quite-rare cases where I really need all of the type-C ports, I'll just eject the type-A card and plug directly into the chassis withou…

Seriously, why are touchpads not a solved problem yet? Why are so many machines (including some fairly high-end models) shipping with worse touchpads than Apple were shipping over a decade ago?

The actual touch part of the FW touchpad, including tap to click, works just fine. I might be a weirdo for liking mechanical click for dragging (and I dislike the Macbook tactile fakery; it does not fool my finger).

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#262
post #127
post #93

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I got a couple of type-A cards for my AMD FW13 and generally keep one loaded in the laptop for connecting to random junk like flash drives, charging cables for all sorts of widgets (like my bike light or head lamp), etc. I get dramatically more use out of the type-C cards. And in the quite-rare cases where I really need all of the type-C ports, I'll just eject the type-A card and plug directly into the chassis withou…

Could you reach out to support about the delete key? There was a small window of time where a burr on a batch of Input Cover lattices resulted in wearing down the keyboard membrane in that spot: https://support.frame.work Thanks for the feedback on LED brightness and airplane OCP. That should be something we can improve in firmware.

Thanks, I'll do that! I figured I've had the machine for a while and it was unlikely to be covered by warranty, so I didn't consider reaching out to support. Instead I assumed I'd buy a new keyboard if it ever annoyed me too much.

At some point I actually considered poking around the firmware and seeing about fixing up the PD behavior. But it never quite rose in priority above my many other projects.

I absolutely love that the embedded controller firmware and much of the motherboard schematics are available. It makes it possible to do these little projects should I gather the gumption. That, plus easy and reasonably priced replacement parts availability and easy OS compatibility, are why I got the Framework.

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#263

I 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…

> In case it breaks, I walk to my nearby electronics store and purchase a new MacBook Pro. > Not working for a week waiting for Framework to send parts is not an option for me. You are comparing apples and oranges here. Apple is internationally available because it is 40 years old and very successful. There's no reason why Framework cannot be that successful in 10 years time. Furthermore, when Framework might become…

They’re comparing them as if they were making a laptop purchasing decision today.

Sure, they could theoretically be a good buy in 10 years.

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#264

Earlier quoted context omitted.

T480 is indeed superb (except for being on the heavy side). I accidentally hurled my phone into the screen (both were on the bed and I shook the sheets trying to find the beeping phone). The replacement screen was like $75 and a 5 minute job. On MacBooks that’s typically closer to $600. I’ll probably replace it eventually with a t14 which is pretty light these days.

the T series thinkpads tend to have a high repairability rating (9/10 on ifixit ) and easy affordable access to parts, it's the X series that's a PITA imo

Is there any generally agreed upon and reliable source for replacement batteries? Given the fire risk, I'm much less willing to take the risk of substandard aftermarket parts when it comes to batteries.

Lenovo stopped selling the batteries for the T480, so the only sources are various 3rd party manufacturers I've never heard of.

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#265

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I had a Framework mainboard die and I was able to replace it myself with a free replacement they sent me without need to throw away the laptop. The economics make sense when you consider they don't get the priority for chips or the volume discounts that a company like Dell would get from AMD or Intel. They are getting scraps and doing what they can to make it work.

Is that a viable business model though? That they’ll always be a niche supplier with low-vokume issues, seems like a tough market. In fact, I think Dell or HP or Other could demolish Framework in a 1/2 second by offering a line that was even 50% the offering. By focusing on replaceable screens, keyboard, and standing the chassis for multiple boards and selling some parts they dry up FW’s moat with little effort.

That would be an AWESOME market development. Not great for framework but if they end up folding because larger manufacturers adopt most sustainable/interchangeable practices thats a win and I'm happy my framework purchase help prove/promote that market change.

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#266

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I love my M1 Pro MacBook and I wish I could have the same efficiency when running Linux but I can't. No doubt. And don't forget Apple nailed the trackpad experience too. But I seldom need to use my laptop for 20 hours away from an A/C outlet. It's nice, but not necessary for me. With that being said, I personally am going to start abandoning the Apple ecosystem with each device that NEEDS to be replaced. I'm tired…

I have been thinking this same thing… Goodluck! I would like my own onprem AI tho. And home assistant devices

I have Home Assistant running on an old Raspberry Pi and it is fabulous. Way quicker than HomeKit, and easier to tinker with, along with all kinds of integrations.

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#267
post #98

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't love this comparison, because I have to use Linux, not Mac. It's not really optional for me, and Asahi simply isn't far enough along to fill the gap. As a result, the question is more Framework vs. Dell or Lenovo, and that creates a much smaller gap in capability in the 13" form factor.

Where is Asahi not far enough if I may ask? I've been daily driving it for 2 years by this point. While it was not really useable for mainstream usecases in the beginning (no speakers, no webcam, other random issues), it did get better month by month and problems got resolved, I find useability equal to my x86 laptops now.

Doesn’t work on anything newer than an M2, for starters.

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#268
post #215

Earlier quoted context omitted.

No, it did not. And you had one of their representatives in this thread verify that fact. They expected you to do the repair with a soldering iron.

My question was about what happened during your warranty period. nrp's response was independent of warranty obligations.

The issue did not arise until after the warranty period expired. The manufacturing flaw drained the real-time clock battery which lasted about a year. Their first fix was to send a new battery; the second fix was a soldering job. I am not a lawyer, but this does not seem like it is legal. The manufacturing flaw was present from the beginning but was masked by the battery's charge.

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#269

>You can't change the RAM on laptops now. >You can't change the SSD on laptops now. I literally just brought a laptop 3 weeks ago and I've already upgraded both of those. It's a newer model with an RTX GPU. I think framework has potential, but it's going to be a decade to see how things pan out. Will I be able to use the same mainboard for a decade? So far what I'm seeing is a laptop brand which charges between 50% a…

I think laptop gamers, and developers that use gaming laptops for work machines are somewhat niche (and I'm in that niche). Because PC gamers often buy desktops. And console gamers buy consoles while handheld gamers buy handhelds and smartphone gamers... Then there are other kinds of laptop users... the various Macbook users from the lightweight travel Air to the beefy desktop replacement 16" Macbook Pro, and the Win…

Another happy Legion 5 Pro user here. It's not terrible on battery, but not great either. I usually carry one of those 26Mah battery banks in my bag just in case.

Re: I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

#270
post #267

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Where is Asahi not far enough if I may ask? I've been daily driving it for 2 years by this point. While it was not really useable for mainstream usecases in the beginning (no speakers, no webcam, other random issues), it did get better month by month and problems got resolved, I find useability equal to my x86 laptops now.

Doesn’t work on anything newer than an M2, for starters.

We were talking about performance and battery efficiency for cost. I don't know, but I'd reasonably assume an M2 Macbook wins on these ratios.
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