I’m considering a Framework 13 for my second, travel laptop (it’ll be my first non-Thinkpad laptop since the 1990s) but still have some nagging doubts and am curious if others have grappled with any of them. I generally keep laptops for 2-3 years before selling my old one and buying a new one so none of my laptops have ever ended up in landfill by my hand, at least.

First doubt is about the whole Framework business model thing, not least because the company is private and thus a bit of a mystery in terms of financing, burn rate, longevity etc. Basically, if I buy a Framework laptop now, will the company still be around in 2-3 years when I’d consider a CPU update and still supporting current models?

Second is whether I want to buy a laptop that’s such a basic clamshell design when all other manufacturers are constantly bringing some interesting new design options to the table. Sure, it’s fine now, but in 2-3 years will I want a 2-in-1 or a smaller footprint or different screen ratio etc.? Looking back at my Thinkpad purchases, I did stick with 14" T-series for quite a while (T20 onwards), but those evolved in terms of size/shape, and since I shook my T-series addiction I’ve tried all sorts of different sizes and shapes (currently typing this on a P1 Gen 4).

And finally there’s the price, which TBH is on the high side even with me bringing my own RAM, using an older Gen3 SSD I have, using a 60W charger I already have etc. Even the new Main Boards/CPUs are pretty darn expensive if you want anything higher end. This is especially pertinent with BF coming up when all the major manufacturers will no doubt be offering big discounts on current models (some already are).

It seems to be the USP of Framework is the lower e-waste thing because otherwise it’s just another mid-range 13" laptop in a crowded field. TBH I’d be more impressed if Framework offered to take back replaced components for recycling, otherwise upgrading stuff just generates its own potential e-waste, albeit much less than binning a whole laptop.

Ultimately I’ll probably buy a Framework 13 – curiosity about new toys and memories of rummaging around in the internals of Thinkpads of Yore are just too strong to overcome! But I’m still curious about other folks’ motivations.

  • Saiyan-Senpai@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    I’m Batch 4 for the FW13 AMD and just got the email that my batch is being prepared! Can’t wait!

    So my reasoning for going with the FW? I’m completely behind the idea of self repair. Just want a laptop that I can easily replace components and upgrade without tossing the whole thing away. ALSO, when I upgrade the main board some years down the line, I can put the old board to use. Make an HTPC or a dedicated emulation PC. Or maybe sell it? I don’t know, but it won’t go to waste.

    My old laptop actually still suits me well but the battery is dying. It’s about 4 years old and can’t hold a charge. I’m genuinely afraid that continuing to charge it is putting myself in danger of a fire hazard. If swapping out the battery was quick and easy, I would get a new one and continue using it. Now is the time to stop that cycle of a ditching an entire laptop to replace one component.