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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

#31

Post by zamadatix »

OJFord wrote: post #28
cortesoft wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.)

Pulling away has generally been fine but I've had USB C cables break due to shearing (laptop at the edge of the table and someone swings their hand while walking past). It doesn't seem break the port thankfully but I do carry a MagSafe cable with me if I remember. The nice thing is if I forget I can still just use USB C again.

To be honest the most appealing thing isn't even the accident prevention, it's one of those "slight interaction improvements for something you do hundreds of times over the year" type things in that you bring the cable near and it just clips in, you pull the laptop away or push a little in any direction and it just pops out. Is it a big deal compared to tugging out for a type C cable? No. Is it nice? Yeah.

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

#32

Post by wpm »

kibwen wrote: post #25
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

Those are all for the Framework 16.

Quite a big weight (almost an entire kilo), size, and price (799 vs 1399 USD) jump to get arrow keys I can move my hand to by feel alone 100% of the time.

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

#33

Post by zamadatix »

krsdcbl wrote: post #29
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.

The phones never used this type of MagSafe, MagSafe only phones would still be allowed under the current mandate, and the laptops already supported USB C charging prior to the mandate.

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

#34

Post by Jtsummers »

krsdcbl wrote: post #29
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.

How so? MagSafe 3 was first available in 2021 (so probably developed in 2019-2020 timeframe, if not a bit earlier). The mandate didn't come out until 2022, and takes full effect this year. Besides, you can still charge the laptops with USB-C, the MagSafe option is just that, an option.

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

#35

Post by chrismartin »

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…

The "Operating System" section of the article touches on this.

Most of Framework's employees use Linux, to the extent that the CEO himself runs Windows, to shake out any glitches with Windows support. [0] It's a tiny mom & pop shop compared to Apple!

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIEc43CxIvY

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

#36

Post by svieira »

OJFord wrote: post #28
cortesoft wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.)

:raises-hand: Yes, I have bent the charging portion of my USB-C on a Mac before but have had zero trouble with the MagSafe versions

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

#37

Post by ghostpepper »

OJFord wrote: post #28
cortesoft wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.)

USB-C pulls out cleanly only if you pull the cable in a direction roughly parallel to the insertion axis. MagSafe can be pulled from any direction and disconnects cleanly without damage.

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

#39

Post by ghostpepper »

zamadatix wrote: post #27
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.

That section should be called Linux support then, because Macs clearly support macOS better than anyone else. I'd even argue that macs support macOS better than any hardware supports linux.

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

#40

Post by kstenerud »

OJFord wrote: post #28
cortesoft wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.)

I've ruined one laptop usb-c port and almost ruined a second from tripping over the cable or the laptop falling off a table and yanking the cord out at a bad angle. The magnetic connectors are awesome! I use them in every laptop. You can buy magnetic adapters super cheap on Amazon.
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