I'm a laptop weirdo and that's why I like my new Framework 13

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Value and pricing vs alternatives

  • Many commenters find Framework notably more expensive than comparable laptops; some say you can buy two decent machines (or a higher‑spec gaming laptop) for the cost of one Framework.
  • Others argue the premium is acceptable if you care about modularity, sustainability, or Linux support, but not if you’re just optimizing “cost per year of use.”
  • Several point out that full mainboard upgrades are costly and can approach a cheap full laptop, weakening the economic case for incremental upgrades.

Repairability, upgradability, and ecosystem

  • Strong fans like that every part is documented, sold directly, and replaceable (especially keyboards, screens, hinges). This is contrasted with brands that stop selling parts or hide them behind service channels.
  • People are excited about reuse of old mainboards as mini‑PCs and the prospect of third‑party boards/modules, but note the ecosystem is still young.
  • Some push back that many business‑class laptops (ThinkPad, Dell, etc.) have long been user‑serviceable, so Framework is more evolution than revolution.

Comparisons: ThinkPad, MacBook, others

  • Refurbished ThinkPads are repeatedly cited as the best price‑/durability‑/repairability combo, with good Linux support and widely available parts.
  • MacBooks are praised for performance, battery life, touchpad, build quality, and instant replacement via retail stores plus seamless restores (Time Machine). For high day‑rate workers, this immediate swap often beats repairability.
  • Framework is seen as attractive mostly for Linux users and “ship of Theseus” enthusiasts who want gradual, component‑level changes.

Hardware quality and usability

  • Mixed reports on the Framework 13 chassis: some find it fine; others say it flexes noticeably and feels cheaper than ThinkPads or MacBooks.
  • Touchpad is a recurring complaint (diving‑board design, mediocre click feel). Speakers and display are described as functional but not premium.
  • Expansion cards are viewed by some as clever customization; others see them as glorified single‑port dongles that reduce total connectivity versus fixed‑port laptops.
  • Battery life and fan noise experiences vary; some report acceptable runtimes, others call it “abysmal” compared to Apple silicon.

Longevity, reliability, and company support

  • Questions remain about 5–10‑year backward compatibility and whether future boards will fit old chassis thermally and mechanically.
  • The 11th‑gen RTC battery defect and solder‑your‑own fix drew heavy criticism; some see it as evidence Framework doesn’t fully stand behind early hardware.
  • Overall sentiment: compelling vision and decent first products, but trade‑offs in cost, refinement, and global service make Framework best suited to a niche of tinkerers and Linux‑first users.