Framework set out to build a completely modular and repairable laptop focused on longevity instead of planned obsolescence. Did they achieve their ambitious vision?
Framework’s Laptop 16 symbolizes a scrappy effort breaking free from the wasteful electronics industry. But this pioneering modular laptop still demonstrates first-generation growing pains in execution.
The Rise, Fall, and Comeback of the Game-Changing Modular Laptop
Remember when you were 12 and you desperately wanted the latest gadget for your birthday? Maybe it was the newest smartphone or a laptop loaded with the beefiest specs to play games. You dreamed of unboxing it and showing it off to your friends. But a year later, it was already feeling old, slow, and unable to keep up with the newest apps and games. Planned obsolescence means companies make devices that won’t last so you have to keep buying the next big thing.
What if you could own a laptop designed to last for years and be easily upgraded? A laptop where you could swap out pieces like LEGO bricks instead of tossing the whole thing out. That’s what Framework set out to build with their flagship Framework Laptop 16. The company promised a completely modular and repairable notebook that could handle both work and play.
Six months ago, Framework’s first attempt floundered with glitches and overheating issues. But the scrappy startup regrouped and recently released an improved second version. I tested out their new model over the past month to see if they managed to achieved their ambitious vision. Read on to find out if this modular laptop is a total dud or an innovation that could change how the entire industry makes laptops.
From Excitement to Disappointment: Framework Laptop 16 Falls Short on First Launch
When Framework first announced the Laptop 16 last January, tech nerds were bursting with excitement. Finally, a notebook focused on longevity and reducing e-waste instead of pumping out devices with planned obsolescence!
Framework designed their 16-inch laptop to be completely user-upgradeable. You could configure it with different ports, swap out components like the keyboard and touchpad, or even replace the whole discrete GPU card. Their promotional videos showed someone transforming their sleek work laptop into a decent gaming machine just by slotting in a few new modular pieces. It was the first notebook to charge via the blazing fast 180W USB-C standard. And you could even etch a custom inscription on the beautiful aluminum chassis.
But when reviewers got their hands on early launch units, problems appeared. Multiple Blue Screens of Death, glitches, flimsy construction, and most worryingly – overheating issues that caused the laptop to run loud and hot. Reviewers experienced temperatures exceeding 90°C even with lighter workloads. One user saw the AMD Ryzen chip reach a boiling 100.8°C! Not exactly a recipe for longevity.
The Framework Laptop 16 launch was full of promise but ultimately a letdown for early adopters. Still, many remained cautiously hopeful Framework could iron out the kinks for their scrappy little startup to eventually achieve success.
Back From the Brink: Framework Gets a Second Chance
After licking their wounds, Framework hunkered down to pour months of work into improving both hardware and software. In July 2022, six months after launch, they sent out newly revised Laptop 16 units to reviewers.
The effort paid off with increased stability and fewer glitches compared to the disastrous first version. After using the new Framework machine extensively for a month, I only experienced one freeze up with an error message I couldn’t reproduce. The infamous overheating remained an issue though. The updated model still reached alarming temperatures exceeding 90°C during gaming and other intensive tasks. The loud fans would spin up frequently even with light browser-based work.
However, Framework made progress dialing in their ambitious modular computing vision with this revision. I decided I could live with small tradeoffs like the slight chassis flex caused by its swappable pieces. The unrivaled ability to upgrade and repair this machine outweighs minor physical blemishes. But the heat and noise issues continue nagging, making it tough to fully recommend the Framework Laptop 16 at this time.
The company still shows promise in pioneering a more sustainable approach to consumer technology. But they aren’t quite there yet in executing on the complete package with their initial models. Let’s dive deeper into what Framework Laptop 16 does right and areas that need improvement.
Where The Framework Laptop 16 Shines
While the Laptop 16 still requires refinement before excelling as both an everyday workhorse and gaming machine, certain aspects showcase Framework’s modular computing vision done right.
Unmatched Upgradability and Repairability
As a scrappy startup, Framework couldn’t reasonably build the most powerful flagship laptop right out the gate. But what their laptop lacks in raw performance, it makes up for in almost limitless room to upgrade over time.
They smartly focused R&D dollars on breakthrough modularity rather than blowing the budget on the fastest components. You can start with an affordable base model and know you’ll be able to swap in better parts as you save up money or as Framework releases upgrades. It’s a novel concept compared to traditional notebooks which transform into e-waste once they start feeling outdated.
With other brands, you cross your fingers hoping companies might release a faster future model you can trade-in your device to buy. But Framework empowers you to turn your existing machine into that coveted upgrade rather than sending old laptops to the landfill.
And should any components fail or you accidentally spill a drink? No worries – you can replace individual parts instead of junking the whole rig. Framework provides step-by-step repair tutorials empowering you to DIY fixes instead of paying an authorized repair shop. You can even buy replacement modules from their site rather than going through painful warranty claims.
This grassroots community-driven approach understands many gadget lovers want to freely tinker, upgrade, and fix their possessions without being artificially restricted by companies. Framework designed their laptop to fully embrace that hacker ethos rather than punish it. Kudos to them for respecting their customers while building sustainability into their product ecosystem.
Verdict: Framework Laptop 16 earns top marks for unprecedented repairability and future upgradability.
Excellent Construction With Some Rough Edges
Constructing a completely modular laptop presented unique design challenges for Framework. They had to incorporate flexibility allowing all user-swappable modules to snap into place like LEGO bricks.
Despite limitations from this modular architecture, Framework managed to deliver a sturdy yet lightweight 3.3 lb chassis milled from a single block of aluminum. They even lovingly bevel the edges giving it a premium feel rivaling market leaders. You can even customize the laptop back with laser engraving adding a personal touch.
However, some compromises became evident in early models caused by unconventional flexible areas around modular components. Some users experienced keyboard and screen flex along with uneven gaps around ports.
After feedback from their first iteration, Framework improved rigidity in subsequent revisions. Most of the flex and gaps disappeared in my latest review unit, becoming unnoticeable during real-world use. The ingenious modular touchpad remains entertaining to fidget with. You can feel it subtly click in and out of place activating metal retention clips. I believe Framework struck an acceptable balance minimizing necessary flex while pulling off unmatched modular capabilities.
The stunning 2560×1600 screen also won praise for its image quality rivaling the best panels on the market. Reviewers appreciated Framework embracing the 16:10 aspect ratio which offers more vertical space compared to widescreen 16:9 displays. You gain extra browsing real estate fitting more open app windows on-screen. Colors and brightness were rated excellent, making movies and games pop.
Verdict: Build quality shines considering constraints from modular design, with display excellence proving it can rival premium brands. But expect minor physical quirks.
Areas For Improvement
While Framework deserves kudos for their novel achievements, the Laptop 16 still requires refinement before matching established players in critical areas.
Thermal Performance & Noise Woes
One notorious and unsolved flaw lies with thermal management. Despite CPU and GPU benchmark scores falling short of elite gaming rigs, the Laptop 16 strangely runs hotter and louder than faster competitors.
Reviewers found it reaching worrying temperatures of 90-100 °C even with moderate workloads. The undersized cooling system inadequately dissipates heat from its high-performance AMD Ryzen processor and Radeon discrete graphics. It shouldn’t sound like you’re vacuuming your room when simply browsing websites!
You don’t want to roast a $999+ laptop’s chips day-in day-out just web browsing or playing Minecraft. It risks shortened component lifespan which contradicts Framework’s sustainability goals. And blasting fans are distracting whether working quietly or trying to hear movie dialogue. more robust cooling should become a top priority.
Verdict: Thermal throttling causes lackluster performance relative to its impressive specs. Overheating must be addressed.
Sleep Function Gremlins
Another nagging issue involves unreliable sleep functionality thanks to the dGPU add-in card. Framework uses AMD Vari-Bright to save battery life when utilizing the integrated GPU. But when the high-power Radeon graphics kick in, it disables suspend functions. Close the lid with a program still accessing the dGPU, and the Laptop 16 randomly wakes itself – potentially draining your battery overnight.
Reviewers also found the discrete GPU prevents wake-from-sleep from properly functioning at times. One morning I awoke to a dead laptop because it failed resuming. Annoying quirks for a machine pitched as an on-the-go workhorse you can throw in your bag not worrying about battery running out. Framework needs to refine firmware and component cooperation for reliable mobile use.
Verdict: Still exhibits too many gremlins failing to sleep/wake properly on the go.
The Bottom Line – Cautiously Optimistic About Future Potential
The Framework Laptop 16 symbolizes an ambitious moonshot trying to break free from the traditional throwaway electronics industry. Framework absolutely deserves immense credit for making repairability and modular upgradability cornerstones of their product philosophy where competitors actively obstruct them.Their vision clearly resonates given ravenous demand and lengthy waitlists just to order one.
But as thrilling as their mission sounds, this pioneering laptop itself still demonstrates first-generation growing pains in execution. Before matching established players rife with decades more engineering resources, Framework must further polish rough edges in thermal management, overall stability, and build quality.
As a startup, they focused R&D on the breakthrough aspects of delivering unprecedented upgradability in a slim notebook form factor. Consequently, performance and certain details feel compromised compared to mature brands who’ve refined traditional designs for ages. It’s no shock early adopters serve as guinea pigs helping Framework gather data to address flaws in future revisions.
The latest iteration shows slow but steady progress toward smoothening rough areas while sticking to their lofty ideals. We root for this plucky David out to reshape the entire laptop paradigm dominated by Goliath-sized incumbents. Given their admirable mission promoting sustainability and putting power back into buyers’ hands, I remain cautiously optimistic Framework will stick the landing moving forward.
If you support open, user-empowering products, I recommend tossing some dollars their way even knowing significant quirks remain. Just brace for an occasionally bumpy ride as the pioneer in uncharted territory. When Framework nails down execution matching their eco-friendly vision, this modular laptop concept could prove a total game-changer.
I’m cautiously hopeful Framework will eventually stick the landing if they further polish rough edges in thermal throttling and build quality. Share your thoughts in the comments!
