Framework announced the Framework 13 Pro including full Linux support right from the beginning.
Some quick information about the Device:
- will use Intel Core Ultra 300 (Panther-Lake)
- updated Battery Design with (up to) 20h Battery life
- custom designed Display Panel with Touch support (keeping the 3:2 aspect ratio)
- LPCAMM2 for upgradable/replacable RAM without compromising on Speed/Low Power of LPDDR5X
- milled Aluminium Unibody chassis
- Full Linux support right from the start (including Firmware update via LVFS, Fingerprint Reader, etc.)
- Haptic Touchpad
- and all the repairability features Framework is known for
You can watch their YouTube Video for a quick summary:
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnOpIQJnYWU
- Invidious: https://inv.nadeko.net/watch?__goaway_challenge=js-refresh&__goaway_id=5a21ef489cbc0e9e48ccded2c92f2b68&__goaway_referer=https%3A%2F%2Finv.nadeko.net%2F&v=GnOpIQJnYWU
I was looking for a new laptop to replace my old Lenovo Yoga 370 and initially disregarded the Framework 13 because of some downsides (low Battery Life, bad Camera, etc.) and was looking to go with one of the following devices:
- HP Elitebook X g1a
- the new Dell XPS 14
- Asus Expertbook PM5 G2
or also a MacBook pro. I am using Linux since more then 10 years and never touched MacOS at all. So I was not sure if MacOS would work for me. But this announcement made it easy: It will be a Framework 13 Pro with Intel X7 358H!
This is really cool, I hope they end up taking off. I wish there was something similar to this in the EU. I’d be very interested in a laptop I can upgrade over time.
I think framework are worthy of support even though the company is American.
So yes, I’m not buying US goods as much as I can also. I make an exception for Framework. They’re the resistance in an occupied nation.
There’s still benefits made, and it goes to a US company. Framework is obviously high quality and their approach is really laudable, but who says their employees won’t spend part of their salaries on Starbucks, McDonald or Coca-Cola. That’s how far current events made me go when purchasing literally anything. I just stopped buying my regular EU brand peanut butter because they source peanuts “from Argentina, India and… US”. Ok sorry for the rant. Anyway, Tuxedo looks good.
The laptops are made and assembled in Taiwan and send directly from there to the consumer. At least if you order from Europe.
Super valid approach! I’m not out here casting judgement on where people choose to throw their money in a situation like this. I think there’s plenty of nuance and room for different values to end up with different results.
I propose a little cultural exchange. I’m sure Framework and Fairphone could stand to do a little cross pollination.
They are sold in Europe, no need to wait!
I appreciate the heads up, but I’m trying to buy from EU if I can.
Ah then your comment makes sense. In Europe the closest we have are the Linux laptops from Tuxedo, which I’ve heard are pretty repairable, but not really upgradeable.
Tuxedo is actually who I’m probably going to end up going with. Repairability is a must, upgrading I’m okay with being a “nice to have” for now. My fingers are crossed for something during the next upgrade cycle, though!
Tuxedo (and most of “European” and/or “Linux” brands like Slimbook, XMG/Schenker etc.) are rebranded Tongfang or Clevo laptops though. They are neither designed nor made in Europe.
Right, but if I spend money at an EU business, it doesn’t go away and might expand to design or make their own computers, or it might move the needle by showing a stronger interest in EU companies that allows for a company that does design parts in the EU to take that space.
My purchase philosophy for every single item nowadays
I hope so. I’m still rooting for them
Europe doesn’t make RAM, or processors or WiFi chips. Why do you want a European dude assemble parts for you?
Because I would rather pay a European company over an American company where possible for similarly valued products. By supporting a company here, I am hopefully contributing to an expanding market here.
I am of the same opinion, but when it comes to laptops, I’d rather go for an american company that cares about repairability, sustainability, and genuinely good laptops than a EU company without those values. It’s not all black and white, and this is a clear case where paying a US company is one of the better choices.
That’s fair. As far as I’m aware, Tuxedo laptops have a good history with repairability, and I personally use my devices until they die and are no longer suitable for what I need them for, so I’m not all that worried about being horribly unsustainable with it. I’ve heard Tuxedo laptops are pretty high quality as well, so that kinda covers all my bases.
For me, there’s the added moral imperative of spending less money on US companies as well, though. It’s kind of a balancing act all around. I’m not judging you for picking what you pick, either, though. Just different strokes and all that.
Framework sells DIY kits so the European dude assembling the laptop could be himself!
That just means they assemble it, test that it works and disassemble to pack the DIY kit, lol
I remember framework posting that it takes more work to pack the DIY kits.
Huh interesting! I see playing on their website that an equivalent laptop is more expensive in the DIY version, it’s just that the starting price includes no RAM, storage, etc.
So the DIY is for people who want to bring their own parts, not for people who want to get all the parts then save money!
The DIY version also doesn’t include a Windows license unless you want it.
Why would you want it
Are framework products not available in the EU?? They’ve been making stuff for years I figured surely they would be
I’m sure they are, but I’m trying to support EU companies rather than US if I can avoid it.
If you buy Tuxedo you’re supporting Chinese companies mostly
Are frameworks made in the US? Last I saw they are made in Taiwan.
In any case I’d rather fund China than the US lol are you kidding.
They are made in Taiwan and then directly send to the consumer. At least when ordering in Europe.
Yes, I’d prefer Taiwanese companies to get the money over Chinese ones
Yeah, I’m aware Tuxedo isn’t manufacturing their own parts. I would rather whatever cut isn’t spent on manufacturing costs to go toward an EU company, though.
Why do you want to ship the rest of the profits to China over Taiwan
That’s not a thing that I said I want.
But that’s a thing when you get when you buy laptops made by Chinese OEMs
Right, I’m aware. All electronics are a collection of trade-offs. That is the unfortunate requirement of the modern world.
They cost an arm and a leg. We definitely need our own version of Framework home grown.
Pro 13 pre built with Intel
Germany: 2369 eur USA: 1499 usd
You can literally go to New York, eat a rye and pastrami, get your framework 13 pro, fly back and still be somewhat ahead
Add taxes and spedition costs to the USA one
It’s insane how much tech fleeces Europeans, but it’s also always been like this. We don’t get the insane discounts USians get either. Never seen a Thinkpad 50% off around these parts like they do over there.
US price is without taxes and the German price is with VAT already included. It’s still more but not as drastic.
True, without 20% VAT German price would be ~1974 eur (=~2319 usd)
They are sold in Europe, don’t worry.
there are a couple of third party motherboards compatible with framework already.
not there yet but it seems it’s slowly getting there.