Should you buy a Framework laptop?
Framework Computer Inc. (more commonly referred to as “Framework”) started shipping their first range of laptops in July 2021. They took the laptop market by storm with their light, repairable, thin and fully upgradeable notebooks. The company is an advocate of the electronics right to repair movement and has proved this by their DIY laptops that are very easy to dismantle.
The first range of devices included the 11th Gen Intel i5 and i7 processors. Apart from selling fully built laptops, Framework also offers DIY laptops. These laptops have a basic, company-fitted Core i5 processor. The buyer has to install all other components, namely RAM, storage, power supply and even the screen bezels. Surprisingly enough, the mainboard is replaceable too.
Design and Display
On the outside, the Framework laptop is just like any other premium notebook with an aluminum body with minimal branding on the top and some air vents and rubber strips on the bottom. The screen size is 13.5” with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2256 x 1504 screen resolution. The display can achieve a peak brightness of very close to 400 nits and covers 116% and 82% of sRGB and DCI-P3 color gamuts respectively. However, the display is somehow hugely reflective for a non-touch screen.
Webcam
Placed above the screen is a 1080p webcam that performs very decently. Next to the webcam is a power switch that can be used to cut power supply to the webcam for added privacy. The devices also have a built-in microphone which isn’t the best for meetings and professional audio usage.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Between the screen and the keyboard rests a fingerprint scanner that performs really well and helps to provide extra protection from hackers. The keyboard may sometimes show insufficient feedback and the arrangement of the keys is a bit crowded. However, the travel on the keyboard is 1.5mm which is a pleasant feeling. The touchpad is one category where the Framework laptops lack behind competitors. Though the touchpad is a decent size, with a lot of room for gestures, it feels very wobbly and substandard.
Speakers and Battery
Other areas where Framework can improve their laptops are the speakers and the battery. The speakers on the devices are decent, not too bad nor too good. They are substantial for normal usage but they aren’t the loudest or the best among the competitors. The same opinion is also applicable to the battery. It’s a 55 kWh battery pack that charges in about 2 hours over any of the 4 USB Type-C ports. The battery backup time is hugely disappointing, typically between 4-6 hours.
Nonetheless, the most alluring thing about Framework laptops is their modular approach. Just with the help of a single screwdriver that comes out of the box with the laptop, you can actually replace any part of the laptop, be it power supply, storage, RAM or even the CPU itself. All the internals have a QR code on them that contain instructions on how to change them. Moreover, Framework has made all components available for sale on their marketplace. The same is applicable to connectivity ports. Only a 3.5mm headphone jack comes built into the chassis. All other connection ports like the HDMI and USB Type-A are available as USB Type-C dongles that fit into the chassis from the underside. Every laptop has a house for 4 of these dongles, including the one needed to plug in the charger and a plethora of these dongles are available for sale online and you can always carry around as many as you want.
Bottomline
Apparently, Framework doesn’t produce the best laptops out there but they have pulled the concept of upgradability to a whole new level, while intimidating other manufacturers to do so. These laptops are undoubtedly the best options for avid fans of upgradability and reducing electronic waste. With a modular laptop, you can always upgrade the components at your convenience. With the option to replace the mainboard which was very rare earlier, you can always have a laptop with the latest processor even without having to buy a new laptop.
However, there are some cons associated with these laptops, for instance, the 3:2 aspect ratio might not be suitable for screen recording. In addition, the problem with the trackpad and the speakers (as explained above). We can always hope that Framework improves its shortcomings and offers us a perfect laptop.