Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:53 What changed
02:35 What’s in the box
04:27 Design & build quality
06:52 Slap a Linux on it
07:52 Display & touchscreen
09:25 The good touch
12:33 Keyboard & touchpad
14:57 Webcam & mic
16:25 Performance
18:25 Conclusion
Links
https://guides.frame.work/Guide/Display+Replacement+on+Framework+Laptop+12/428?lang=en
https://frame.work/fr/en/blog/framework-laptop-12-now-with-core-series-3
https://frame.work/fr/en/products/laptop12-diy-intel-series3/configuration/new
If it weren’t for the price of memory (and everything else), the FW12 would be an easy buy for me. It is equal to or surpasses my current 13th gen Intel laptop in every way aside from the display (an amazing OLED to a reddish LCD is not great), and I really want one of their fun colours, especially the purple one!
Maybe in the future I can get one for cheap in the used market? Framework’s “neutral” stance (that is, their unwillingness to criticise DHH and Omarchy. Not nearly as bad as Dell and others, who more blatantly support such nasty politics, but still) bothers me, so buying used also means my money won’t go directly to them.
For a moment I thought I would have to be the one to make the PSA thos time that Framework is cool with being a nazi bar. Thank you, stranger.
Maybe in the future I can get one for cheap in the used market?
With the price of 5 year old framework 13s being what they are I doubt it. You can get a newer thinkpad for half the price.
That looks like a really nice laptop. I don’t play games and code only or write prose. This looks like my next laptop as soon as my old one dies (which is unlikely to happen anytime soon, it’s incredible how long laptops last)
Do laptops last longer than desktops?
Usually shorter. The better is the first thing to wear out, even if it’s not used much. But it often can be replaced, even if the manufacturer doesn’t officially support replacement.
Ignoring that, they are still built more compact, which makes some components more prone to failure (in particular cooling). But they can still last a decade+ if taken care of and/or repaired.
My current laptop is a decade old. As long as you don’t buy bottom of the barrel and use it to spec, it’ll last. It is primarily a web browser that can play some light games. I’ve got other systems for modern games. A gaming laptop will be out of date when you do the setup, however.
I have a Compaq CQ61 as a Debian “server” thing from around 2008. Does my IRC bouncer, Navidrome and Komga. Works fine on that purpose. My daily driver is a Thinkpad T430, not sure what model year, at least a decade old, maybe more. Got it second hand. Works well for me, I can play Morrowind. Thats all that matters.
