I'm returning my Framework 16

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Framework 16 build quality & user experiences

  • Many commenters feel the Framework 16’s fit and finish don’t match its ~€2000 price: sharp/raised spacers around the trackpad, visible gaps, some flex, and “mushy” keyboard.
  • Speakers are widely criticized as genuinely bad; some say this single component drags the whole product down.
  • Some Framework 16 owners report being happy despite cosmetic/jank issues, saying the flaws fade in daily use and battery life is fine for them.
  • Others report serious frustrations with earlier Framework models (bad RAM, port power issues, hinge problems, thermal throttling) and poor or slow support resolution.

Repairability, upgradeability & value proposition

  • A long thread debates whether upgradability/repairability justify Framework’s pricing and compromises.
  • Supporters see it as “paying for sustainability” and control: easy battery, RAM, SSD, screen, keyboard, and mainboard swaps; potential to reuse or resell mainboards; Linux-first design.
  • Skeptics note that many non-Framework laptops already have replaceable RAM/SSD and sometimes screens, for less money and better refinement, so Framework’s incremental upgradeability is limited.
  • Several argue that in real life most people rarely upgrade components; what they feel every day is keyboard, trackpad, thermals, noise, and battery.
  • Some think the 13" hits the tradeoff better than the 16"; the 16" is seen as bulky, expensive, and easily outclassed in specs by gaming or workstation laptops.

Comparisons with MacBooks and other laptops

  • Recurrent theme: MacBooks (especially M-series) are seen as vastly superior in build quality, battery life, thermals, speakers, and polish; many say “just buy a MacBook” unless you strictly need Linux/Windows, CUDA, or hate macOS.
  • Others strongly prefer Linux and can’t stand macOS despite respecting Apple hardware; some run Asahi but don’t want to rely on it yet.
  • ThinkPads (especially older generations) are repeatedly cited as the traditional repairable workhorse; newer X1 Carbons are criticized for fragile keyboards and harder maintenance.
  • Dell XPS and high-end Latitudes/Precisions split opinion: some report great Linux experiences; others report trackpad, keyboard, or build issues.

OLED, displays, and low‑light use

  • The author’s dislike of OLED in dim rooms triggers a long subthread:
    • Some argue OLED is best in low light (true blacks, good dimming); they call the concern misinformed.
    • Others point to PWM dimming and flicker sensitivity, burn-in risk, and historical brightness floors as real issues.
    • Several note that text clarity and burn‑in vary by panel generation and subpixel layout; modern OLEDs may be better but experiences differ.

Linux on laptops & power management

  • Multiple comments say Linux power management (suspend, S0ix, AMD C-states) is still weaker than macOS, limiting battery life even on good hardware.
  • Some Framework users report acceptable 6–8h “dev” use, others complain of high standby drain and needing hibernation.
  • Alternatives suggested for Linux-friendly hardware: ThinkPads, Dell developer editions, System76, Tuxedo, Chromebooks, and plain gaming laptops with replaceable RAM/SSD.

Politics, ideology, and purchasing

  • A subset of users bought Framework partly to “vote” for right-to-repair and Linux support.
  • Some say Framework’s sponsorship of a controversial developer/distro has alienated them politically, reducing the willingness to “pay extra for the signal.”
  • Others push back, arguing working with ideologically diverse people is normal and shouldn’t dominate hardware decisions.