Framework Laptop 13 Review

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/may/17/framework-laptop-13-review-modular-pc-upgrade-performance

by sandebert • 3 years ago

104 41 3 years ago

gnufied• 3 years ago

Much better review of new generation framework laptop - https://www.notebookcheck.net/Core-i7-1370P-performance-debu...

jeffbee• 3 years ago

"Very Loud Under Heavy Loads" ... I wonder how hard it is to tune that away. There is no particular need to let these CPUs ramp up to 60W. If it were up to me I would offer a U-series CPU option that can be configured down to 12W.

reacharavindh• 3 years ago

Indeed. Thanks.

I just bought a MacBook Air with M2 yesterday after careful evaluation of Framework 13 for my needs.

The tinkerer/engineer in me loves most things about Framework against the MacBook Air.

However, a big con was the lack of s2idle sleep and its impact on battery life. I use a Mac for work, and have been spoilt with a machine that lasts longer than a day, and reliably and fastly come back to life when I open the lid. Intel and AMD have crippled their CPUs to disable deep sleep states to prevent such bliss. I don’t want my laptop to lose power while it sits in my backpack and supposed to be doing nothing.

It’s a shame because it appears atleast the Ryzen CPU listed by framework claims to have almost caught up with the base M2. May be the younger version of me that had enough spare time to deal with unreliable sleep/resume troubles would have chosen Framework over the MacBook Air.

pizza234• 3 years ago

Intel and AMD have crippled their CPUs to disable deep sleep states to prevent such bliss

AFAIK it's not the CPUs, rather, the motherboards. I have two modern Ryzen systems; one supports S3 out of the box, the other requires some messing.

senttoschool• 3 years ago

It’s a shame because it appears atleast the Ryzen CPU listed by framework claims to have almost caught up with the base M2.

It really hasn't. Check idle watts, package watts under load, performance when unplugged, battery life, laptop chassis temperature. AMD's solutions do not come close.

fulafel• 3 years ago

Both seem to be Windows reviews, any Linux ones around?

CameronNemo2• 3 years ago

Plenty for earlier generations. Not sure about the recent models. They made chassis, battery, and power consumption (firmware) improvements.

CameronNemo2• 3 years ago

While I don't doubt that "notebookcheck.net" does a better laptop review than The Guardian, I do consider the fact that The Guardian is reviewing this upstart laptop vendor to be independently notable.

Phlogi2• 3 years ago

If they only would add localized keyboards.

flurdy• 3 years ago

They do https://frame.work/gb/en/marketplace/keyboards

theshrike79• 3 years ago

Still no Scandinavian layout and they don't sell it here either...

Phlogi2• 3 years ago

Thanks, Swiss German missing either.

ddtaylor2• 3 years ago

GPU?

jwithington• 3 years ago

I think the 16" version has a GPU

G3rn0ti4• 3 years ago

Like the Intel models, the AMD versions will come with an eGPU (the Zen 4 chiplet being the more powerful one). In both cases, it is possible to attach an external GPU via thunderbolt / USB4 if you need it.

nrp2• 3 years ago

The Framework Laptop 13 uses the integrated graphics in the processor. 13th Gen's integrated Intel Xe is passable for lighter titles like GTA V or CS:GO. Beyond that, it supports Thunderbolt eGPUs. We also have the Framework Laptop 16 shipping late this year that has an optional dGPU.

ddtaylor2• 3 years ago

Thanks for the timeline. I am a big fan of Framework and I am really impressed with what you guys are doing, but I have certain requirements and need a laptop with a dedicated GPU.

Keep up the good work.

hk13372• 3 years ago

I really like my Framework 13 but I wish I had waited.

1. for the AMD chip

2. for the Framework 16

G3rn0ti4• 3 years ago

You will be able to swap your mainboard for the AMD one.

hk13372• 3 years ago

That's really cool. Takes care of one of my points.

I wonder if I can get the 16" laptop without a mainboard? Might as well just get the Framework 16 with AMD mainboard in that case.

deng2• 3 years ago

Really really like this, but trackpad without physical buttons I just cannot work with, and it seems that's one of the areas that is not configurable.

aPoCoMiLogin• 3 years ago

the 16" version can swap trackpad, keyboard etc, so I assume there will be at some point trackpad with buttons

deng2• 3 years ago

That's nice to hear, but 16" is awfully big. I know, I'm hard to satisfy... So I'll probably just continue to buy old Thinkpads, as they are my "Frameworks" as they are also incredibly serviceable. But well, they are starting to get pretty slow...

replete2• 3 years ago

I can't handle touchpads that don't let you tap to click

roland35• 3 years ago

I recently stepped on my framework laptop and crunched the LCD screen. Luckily I was able to purchase a new lid (got an improved lighter and stiffer lid!) And new screen (unfortunately the matte option was out of stock).

45 minutes later I had my old lid and screen removed and my new one installed with no tools beyond their provided torx screwdriver. It was amazing to be able to do that and not need to replace the entire laptop or mail it in for service! While I had it open I installed another 16gb stick of RAM to bump up to 32gb total.

I'm debating getting the upgraded motherboard... I may wait another year or two when the performance gap is larger and I find another purpose for the old motherboard. I could 3d print a case for it and use it as a home server, gitlab build runner or bench PC. It's really cool how flexible it is!

The raw specs are not the best, the battery life could be better, but I appreciate the mod ability.

l72• 3 years ago

Cooler Master makes a case for them:

https://frame.work/products/cooler-master-mainboard-case

https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/cases/mainboard-case/fr...

esun• 3 years ago

The 3:2 screen is great for coding on the go. Crisp & bright. Will grab the 2nd gen hinges and matte screen when they are in stock.

rch2• 3 years ago

For earlier versions there was more commentary and information about Linux support. If we're comparing this with other consumer hardware, then it's just okay and I don't think it really stands out.

When I upgrade my current Framework, I'll still be looking for top of the line build quality and performance, running Linux out of the box. Right now Linux is a DIY option, and power management is frequently discussed in the community. There are also display quirks that I simply choose to overlook. To be considered successful, I'd expect to get it added as a laptop option at work. Not sure we're there yet.

nrp2• 3 years ago

We provide official technical support for Ubuntu LTS and Fedora. Since architecturally, 13th Gen and 12th Gen processors are quite similar, and 12th Gen is now fairly mature, 13th Gen functionality is already stable. The power improvements span both Windows and Linux (61Wh battery with i7 configs, 13th Gen being more efficient, and firmware improvements on the system and Expansion Cards to reduce retimer power consumption).

rch2• 3 years ago

That's extremely good to know. I hadn't seen the officially supported Linux distributions, or your guide on Fedora. Thanks!

jeff-davis• 3 years ago

Regarding framework in general (I have 12th gen): I'd like a full-size SD card expansion card for trasferring photos.

Other than that and my 12th gen is nearly perfect. A few really minor things that are probably software issues.

bfrog• 3 years ago

Can I get it with a thinkpad like nub? I despise trackpads

yrro2• 3 years ago

Intel Core i7-1370P

What fresh hell is this? Is this CPU model missing a digit or what?

replete2• 3 years ago

Raptor lake. It's missing a claw, but it can munch instructions

yrro2• 3 years ago

This would make sense if all Raptor Lake CPUs were renumbered like this but most seem to use the familiar 13nnn numbering scheme - it's just "Raptor Lake-P" that has lost a digit!

Framework Laptop 13 Review

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