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If you're a PC hardware geek who's been dreaming of a laptop that you can upgrade far beyond the life cycle of a typical machine, Framework's modular notebooks must seem like a miracle. The American company has a straightforward pitch: What if your laptop could be nearly as customizable as a desktop, with the ability to swap components out for repairs and upgrades? What if we could put an end to disposable hardware? We were intrigued by Framework's original 13-inch notebook and its Chromebook variant, despite some rough edges and a basic design. Now, with the Framework Laptop 16, the company is targeting the most demanding and (arguably) hardest group of PC users to please: Gamers.
Framework has already proved it can build compelling modular laptops, but can the Laptop 16 cram in powerful graphics, a fast display and other components to keep up with the likes of Alienware, Razer and ASUS? Sort of, it turns out — and there are plenty of other tradeoffs for living the modular laptop dream. Hardware quirks abound, battery life is mediocre and it still looks like a totally generic machine. But how many other notebooks could let you completely upgrade your CPU or GPU in a few years? Who else offers a customizable keyboard setup? In those respects, the Framework 16 stands alone.
[...] I was genuinely bummed to discover that it was a fairly mediocre gaming machine, at least for its high price.
What do you think? Is having a laptop that you can upgrade more important than having the fastest laptop on the block? What price would you pay for being able to upgrade your hardware?
(Score: 5, Insightful) by Freeman on Tuesday March 19 2024, @09:18PM (4 children)
Perhaps my subject line is a bit overly dramatic. Except in the few instances where it's not.
The biggest thing I have against laptops is their form factor. All that heat has to go somewhere and at best case scenario you've got that thing stuck on a hard surface with nothing blocking the vents. In reality, people stick those things on their laps, seat cushions, blankets, etc. Heat kills electronics and Laptops are a prime example. Then, you have all of the other fun things that kill Laptops, dropping them, spilling liquids on them, etc. While you can do all of those things with a desktop, you're not usually hauling a desktop around, or trying to block literally every vent hole and then wonder why the thing fried. The amazing factor is that Laptops don't die faster than they already do. *Insert here* all stupid small form factor desktops, especially the "NUC" variety of "desktop" computers. They are essentially glorified Laptops for all practical purposes, except you get none of the benefits of a Laptop, portability (weight), built-in screen, built-in input devices, etc.
I've maintained/swapped-out parts/replaced a fleet of laptops at my work. Laptops suck, but they do serve a purpose. (Assuming yours isn't "portable workstation", then perhaps you should also revisit your thoughts on buying a laptop.) They're also a very compelling option for people who don't know any better, because it's cheaper than a desktop, smaller than a desktop, already has a display, keyboard, and mouse thingy.
The framework laptop is an interesting beast and certainly poses a better value proposition for repurposing your "old laptop" (main board) and providing an actual upgrade path for your current laptop (main board, possibly display, etc.).
I whole-heartedly recommend going with a desktop, if your main use case is "computer at home".
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"
(Score: 2) by Freeman on Tuesday March 19 2024, @09:29PM
My brain was broken there, NUCs are indeed "portable" as in the weight, but not portable like a laptop is, display, keyboard, mouse, battery all built-in.
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"
(Score: 2, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday March 20 2024, @12:25AM
> All that heat has to go somewhere ...
A friend used to work at an IBM plant and got me hooked on their lightly used ThinkPads, something over 20 years ago. I don't game and don't need super speed at all and the ThinkPads last a long time. To keep them cool I mostly have mine elevated off the desk on a wire rack that is about 5" high (130mm), and use a full sized keyboard. Or, if it has to sit on a desk, I set it on two pencils (eraser ends toward the back) to make a little air clearance underneath. When I vacuum out the keyboard (maybe 2x/year) I use a piece of fine screen over the hose to keep from sucking off a key, and also vacuum at the vents to clear some of the dust collected by the fan(s).
(Score: 5, Insightful) by RS3 on Wednesday March 20 2024, @12:37AM (1 child)
As long as I can remember I've been bothered by the name "laptop", when if you actually put it on your lap, you block critical cooling vents, including CPU fan intake on many models. As such, I have a laptop lap-top thing that has cushion on the lap side, and nice flat hard surface on top. Also if it's on my bed, I have a thin piece of plywood (maybe 5mm or so thick).
I've also applied much taller rubber feet so if it's on a somewhat softer surface, like right now on the laptop carrying case's somewhat stiffer side, it has a fighting chance to get air.
(Score: 2) by Freeman on Wednesday March 20 2024, @01:54PM
Which of course the average user is doing none of.
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"