It's hard to justify buying a Framework 12
A new comparison between the Framework Laptop 12 and Apple’s low-cost MacBook Neo has sparked debate over value, performance, and philosophy in laptop design. Many argue the Neo offers dramatically better hardware, battery life, and price, while others are willing to pay a premium for Framework’s repairability, Linux support, and long-term upgradability—even if the current 12-inch model’s screen, CPU, and acoustics lag behind. The exchange highlights a deeper split between buyers who prioritize ecosystem polish and resale value and those who prioritize openness, longevity, and control over their devices.
Price, Performance & “Value”
- Many see the MacBook Neo as an extremely strong value: cheaper, faster in most benchmarks, better display, speakers, build, and battery life than the Framework 12 at similar or lower prices.
- Others argue that calling the Framework 12 “bad value” ignores non-spec factors like openness, Linux support, and repairability.
- Several point out that Apple’s economies of scale, in‑house silicon, and use of binned iPhone chips let it sell the Neo at prices smaller vendors cannot match.
- Resale value matters: some argue you can buy a Neo, resell it later, and still beat Framework’s total cost of ownership.
Upgradeability, Repairability & Longevity
- Framework’s pitch: modular RAM, SSD, mainboard, ports, keyboard, chassis, display; easy user repairs; potential multi‑cycle lifespan. Some users report already upgrading RAM/SSD/mainboards on older Frameworks.
- Critics respond that most people never upgrade laptops; buying a new sealed machine every few years can be cheaper and simpler.
- Neo is more repairable than past Macs (per iFixit scores) but still has soldered RAM/SSD and Apple constraints. Views differ on how much that matters in practice.
- Some see Framework as a “statement device” that exists to push the market toward repairability, even if it’s not cost‑optimal.
OS & Ecosystem
- A large faction says OS choice dominates: if you want Linux (or avoid Apple’s ecosystem, telemetry, app-store rules), Neo is a non‑starter regardless of specs.
- Others note that many mainstream users care little about OS; they live in the browser and value Apple ecosystem integration with iPhone.
- Asahi Linux on Apple Silicon is discussed: impressive but lagging generations and missing features; most don’t see it as day‑1 viable for general users.
Product Positioning: Framework 12 Specifically
- Even some Framework fans think the 12" model is poorly positioned: weak screen (low color gamut), mediocre speakers, hot/noisy Intel chip, and high price relative to the Neo and to other PC laptops.
- Several say Framework’s 13 and 16 (especially the 13 Pro) make far more sense: stronger hardware, better displays, still modular.
- A minority love the 12" form factor as a Linux convertible or “couch device” and accept compromises for size, tablet mode, and tinkering.
Broader Market & Alternatives
- Commenters highlight comparable or better-specced Lenovo ThinkPads, E‑series, XPS, and cheap Ryzen/Intel laptops as strong non‑Apple, non‑Framework options.
- Consensus: Apple dominates on polish and efficiency, but there remains a distinct niche for open, Linux‑first, repairable machines that Framework is targeting.