[kwlug-disc] Framework laptop experiences

[Steve Izma]

On Fri, Apr 25, 2025 at 03:13:07PM -0400, Paul Nijjar via kwlug-disc wrote:
> Subject: [kwlug-disc] Framework laptop experiences
> 
> A person on KWTechs had some questions about Framework laptops
> 
> > Does anyone have a Framework? I'm interested in hearing some
> > reviews: How/where to buy one from Canada, ordering parts,
> > ease of repair/upgrade, durability etc.

I bought one of the original Framework 13" laptops about 3½ years
ago. Prior to that, I used only Thinkpads, going back to the
1990s, most recently an X1 Carbon.

The Framework came as a kit, and I purchased RAM and an NVME card
locally, saving a considerable amount of money from a fully
assembled model. Assembly was easier than most IKEA items.

My overall experience is positive. I have travelled extensively
with it and done a great deal of work on it. However, some
components seem frail.

One of its most interesting advantages is exchangeable port
modules. I have a couple each of USB-A, USB-C, and audio output
modules, a regular-sized HDMI port, an RJ-45 port, and a card
reader. There are two slots on each side of the laptop into which
these modules can be inserted, in any order or combination. But
some of these have stopped working properly, and this is the
biggest problem I've had with the machine. Yet, I still have
enough working modules and ports to accomplish what I need to do.
Sooner or later I'll replace the motherboard, probably with one
of the newer AMD models, and I expect this port problem will go
away.

The Intel wifi card (goes into an internal slot) did not work at
first, but it's replacement works very well. I usually manage it
and wired ethernet through nmcli.

The original 13" screen had so much glare that it was nearly
impossible to use outside. I replaced it with a matte screen a
little more than a year ago, and that made a huge difference in
usability. Replacement took around 15 minutes, I think.

I know others who have had various component failures on the
early models, so that's an added cautionary flag.

It's heavier than an X1 Carbon, but not enough to make me switch
back. The screen clarity is not quite as good as the
higher-resolution X1 models, but still very good. I do miss the
Thinkpoint, though.

My battery life is waning, but it's not often that I need to work
at length on battery only. The battery will be easily replaceable
when I get around to it.

Framework's model lineup is getting increasingly interesting.
Given the ease of replacing components, I expect to be using this
system for a long time.

	-- Steve


-- 
Steve Izma
-
Home: 35 Locust St., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada  N2H 1W6
Temporary residence: 36 Locust St., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada  N2H 1W7
E-mail: sizma at golden.net  cellphone: 519-998-2684

==
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       from Plato to Darwin*, 1996