It's hard to justify buying a Framework 12

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

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.