THE WORLD is littered with abandoned tech companies that promised great things but delivered nothing. Framework released a modular, upgradeable and repairable laptop last year. I was skeptical. WIRED didn’t review it because, despite its potential appeal, it was dependent on the company remaining in existence
We are here, more than a year later and the company is still around. They also released a second Framework laptop with modular components so that existing owners can upgrade as they wish.
Framework has achieved some success but it needs to continue for many years in order to fulfill its promise. Even if the company went out of business tomorrow, the Framework laptop would still be available for purchase today. You can upgrade RAM or SSD easily, which is something I cannot say about most laptops these day. Framework won’t be going away anytime soon, considering how amazing this laptop is.
Modular madness
Two versions of the Framework laptop are available. The first form is your standard ready-to-use laptop. You can order the configuration that you prefer, and it will arrive fully assembled and ready for use. You can also increase the level of customization. Have a solid SSD already? You can order your Framework without a drive to save money. However, you will need to open the case (just five screws) and insert your RAM and hard drive before you can use it. Next, you will need to install Windows or Linux.
The DIY version was my favorite, as I am a DIY person. Framework sent me a laptop, two 8GB RAM modules and a 500GB SSD. The Torx screwdriver included in the package made opening the laptop easy. It also includes a spudger at one end. After the RAM and SSD had been installed, I was able to select which ports I desired.
A Framework laptop has four ports “slots”, which allows you to mix and match your port selections at any given time. The various options can plug into the motherboard via USB C and lock in place to prevent them from falling out. Two USB-C slots were chosen by me, along with one USB-A and one microSD card reader. I also chose the built-in headphone socket. Another USB-A, an HDMI and DisplayPort are all options for expansion. All of them are hot-swappable, so you can make changes on the spot. Although I would love to see an option for a full-size SD reader, I don’t think I’m the only one still using SD cards. I haven’t seen one on my laptop in years.
After the laptop had been assembled and configured to my satisfaction, it was time for me to install an operating system. Framework is compatible with Windows 11 and several other Linux distributions. Framework also released a Chromebook while I was testing it. ChromeOS can technically be run on any regular Framework laptop but it requires additional hardware. After using Linux exclusively for 15 years, I decided to install Linux. I began with System76’s Pop_OS. I reviewed it in detail in my review. I also tested Ubuntu and Arch Linux which Framework supports but which worked fine.
Hardware and Performance
After Linux was installed and configured in the way I like it (very minimal use of SwingWM for a window manager), I did a few benchmark tests to see if the results were comparable to the 12th-generation Intel i7 chips I tested. The Framework performs on par with other Intel 12-generation laptops that I tested this year. The Framework’s battery took a significant hit when I ran the benchmark tests.
With more real-world use, I was able get about six hours of battery life. This is good but not great. After installing and running through some Linux-based battery optimization software, I was able increase that number to seven hours. (A great page on the Framework community forum that contains useful tips for Linux users. Although you might get better results with Windows, most benchmarks of Windows machines are done at the same time.
Framework has a 13.5 inch, 2256×1504 pixel display. It also features a 3 to2 aspect ratio. This makes it ideal for document work. I love the extra vertical space that a 3 to2 screen gives me. Although the screen is bright enough, it is reflective. The colors were decent, but not as good as OLED screens which are becoming more common in laptops of similar price points. The screen has a magnetic bezel that is black. The Framework marketplace allows you to change the color. The hardware switches for the microphone and camera are located at the top of your screen. All components of the screen can be replaced and upgraded.
It’s nice to have a 1.5 millimeter travel keyboard for those who love to bang on their laptops in search of that satisfying click of a mechanical keyboard. Although it doesn’t make that sound, typing on the keyboard was pleasant. The trackpad was less popular with me. It felt soft when I clicked. Framework has the ability to upgrade it, so Framework may be able to improve on this feature down the line.
This is all I can say about the hardware. The Framework is not up to the standards of recent releases such as the Surface Laptop, Asus and Dell XPS. Although it is very attractive, it’s not as premium as other options. The Framework’s serviceability and ability to upgrade components later on is what sets it apart.
This feels backwards, if you stop to think about it. The Framework will make it clear that you are able to upgrade and service your laptops. Most laptops can be upgraded if you are skilled in upgrading the SSD. Sometimes, the RAM is also upgraded. Upgrade the motherboard? Unlikely.
This is why I recommend the Framework. If you value control and the ability to upgrade, downgrade and service your laptop, this is the best laptop available. Congratulations if you purchased the first generation Framework. You can upgrade the motherboard whenever you like.
What about the rest of us? The Framework isn’t perfect. I would love to have better battery life and an AMD option. But it’s close enough that it’s worth the risk. It will be the next laptop I purchase.
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