Live data from Hacker News

The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

pluralistic.net

951–960 of 1001 posts

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#951

Earlier quoted context omitted.

While I'm not going to argue your preference for a trackpoint, dragging with a trackpad is not as you describe. You just leave your thumb "clicked" and reposition your index finger. IME, using a trackpoint is okay for smaller laptop screens, but going from monitor to monitor kinda sucks.

macOS has an option (in the accessibility prefs) to enable three-finger trackpad dragging. It's incredible to use, especially in concert with Magnet (a window management app). Three-finger-drag a window to the top of the screen and it's instantly maximized. Selecting text is also a breeze.

> Three-finger-drag a window to the top of the screen and it's instantly maximized.

Sounds like a lot of work compared to any good tiling window manager. Windows should be automatically maximized on opening, unless there are others on the desktop, in which case just hitting a two finger key chord should do it without requiring contorting a wrist or moving an entire forearm away from the home row.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#952

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For the record, I also own a Mac: the MacBook Pro, 2019 baseline model. I used to enjoy the battery life (though it has been slowly getting worse to the point where I have considered reaching out to Apple about it since the battery is glued in and I can't replace it myself). I like the metal body. I also like macOS. My MacBook is not completely silent because it's an Intel mac, but the M1 would be, that's true. As fa…

This is a good point. "Repairability" is a lot less important to me than lifetime. Right now, I have a MacBook with AppleCare. The author's criticism with AppleCare is that it can take a week for Apple to repair the computer. That's reasonable for me. So the real test of the Framework computer is not in the first week. (Although the initial impression is very impressive!) The real test is whether I can, 3 years after…

Repairability has an extreme impact on lifetime, so if you're concerned about the latter, you should care about the former just as much.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#953

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wouldn't you just replace motherboard + CPU to upgrade? No need to sell it.

You’d need to sell the motherboard + CPU then. And eventually new motherboards will come up that are not compatible with your case or accessories.

My first thought is that will be great for repair shops sourcing donor boards.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#954

Earlier quoted context omitted.

From what I read, it was because they couldn't fit the charging circuitry for both into the dongle. Better to not deal with the confusion of one not charging

Unfortunate. What about a dual USB-A one though?

The specs are open. Whatever is possible will happen. There are also people working on microcontroller cards and such niche things.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#955
post #69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Linus has now invested in Framework, which constrains how he is allowed to review laptops on his channel because of the possibility of a conflict of interest. He says it's worth it to support what he believes is a great company with an awesome product vision.

"invested" is a bit of a misnomer here. He bought several of them for his employees. He was courted by Framework to buy into the company, but as far as I know, he noped out of that deal.

He invested 250k.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#957
post #478

Has the Lenovo warranty really gotten worse? The author doesn't specify but speaks of the "incredible" warranty on the Thinkpads in the past tense. I purchased an X220 in 2011 with the 3 year next business day warranty plan and it was awesome the couple of times I had to use it. I recently purchased an X13 to replace it with the same warranty plan, assuming it would still be as good. Not true? (By the way, Kubuntu in…

Have had multiple Thinkpads. Have a T450s and just got a Flex5 for one of my kids.

I've used the warranty and it's fantastic.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#958
post #845

I understand the Thunderbolt hub is fundamental to the Framework concept, but I’m really let down by the lack of an AMD option. I’ve waited months for Lenovo to sort their supply-chain issues and I’m still quarreling with poor drivers but the Ryzen in this T14s I have is just embarrassingly capable.

I've been waiting to get a T14 w/ 32GB or RAM AND a Ryzen 7 5000 series.

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#959
post #447
post #53

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Back when I was making crap wages, I would get the cheapest laptops I could afford that would more or less give me decent performance (on the order of ~$500-600). It's not too hard to find a new laptop that performs well at a reasonable price, but you always run the risk of them reclaiming those costs by cheaping out on all the mechanics of it, and it's not like I was able to afford paying ~$2000 for a high-quality m…

I usually buy top quality laptops second hand from shops that give at least 6 months warranty. Best strategy. You get a $2000 laptop for $500. And honestly, Intel did not do too much in the last decade, so these are of great value.

I was going to say the same - you are often better off buying a quality not-too-old used than buying a crappy new low-end machine. Better for the world too. However I tend to keep my gears for a very long time (hello my well-loved 2007 MacBook Pro) so I can justify buying new (w/warranty).

Re: The Framework is the most exciting laptop I've used

#960
post #515

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I find it hilarious that we spend multiple thousands of dollars on sleek, elegant hardware and then hook up chunky plastic dongles to overcome their bad hardware interfaces. So I love the idea of these ports (agreed, they're basically "recessed dongles"). I couldn't lose them / forget them. They wouldn't take up space in my bag while I'm traveling. I could "set and forget" them to perfectly match whatever desktop / d…

The crazy thing here is that it’s not so hard to hit the standard set of “pro” ports — USB-C x 4 (new standard blabla) USB-A x 2 SD x 1 HDMI x 1 Phone/Mic I applaud the modular approach but Apple’s donglevision was the pure distillation of user-hostility between the Bean-Counter in Chief and the SVP, Thin Stuff. And all the industrial sheep who followed them. May we all recover…

A laptop is a computer you use on the go. I don't see how this usage pattern includes that much of external hardware to use all those ports. Smartphone, data stick - that's it.

There may be a kinda-permanent place, where one using their laptop most of the time. I don't see any problem having a dock station there with all the the ports and a power routed via single USB C or Thunderbolt port.

The problem is not the industry. The problem is people using laptops where they should use desktop computers. Which are, coincidentally, are modular and expandable through the roof.

Post reply on HN