i don't know if you've seen this computer floating around, but wanted to know what you as tumblr's resident computer expert think about it:
https://frame.work/laptop13
I have! I've discussed it a bit here and on my website but I think it's worthwhile to do an updated demonstration of what my primary issue is with Framework Laptops.
This is the Framework I configured for price/functionality for me:
Before tax, that is $1686.
Adding all of those things would increase the cost by about $300 (Windows home $139, 180W AC Adapter $109, 10-Key $39 - I would have added that last one but it was out of stock.)
2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, Audio Out, HDMI Out, RJ45 In
The ability to swap out modules and upgrade modules/RAM with the Framework snap-in system
Okay. Now. Here's a Lenovo ThinkPad T16 with a similar setup:
This one actually features a slightly more burly processor than the Framework and is seven dollars less expensive and it comes WITH an operating system, power adapter, and numeric keypad (so actually it's about $307 less expensive than the equivalent Framework).
2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, Audio Out, HDMI Out, RJ45 In
The one thing it is lacking is the framework module system that makes it easy to change or upgrade input/output and to plug and play with RAM and storage.
So the question that I ask when looking at these two computers is: Does the price discrepancy between these two devices make sense given the expected lifespan and the effort required to upgrade them/extend the lifespan.
For me? No. The Lenovo is the better deal for me because it would take me as much effort to upgrade the RAM and storage on either machine.
For somebody else? Maybe. Maybe there is someone out there who has no issue with byo-OS and byo-power supply but who does want a computer that can have storage added by plugging in a module. Frameworks are genuinely simpler to take apart and mess around in, and the in/out systems are more configurable and maybe for some people that's worth it. It's not worth it for me,
Especially when I can also get the same lenovo for an additional $300 savings from Amazon:
So if I buy a business computer that is basically equivalent to the Framework (except that it comes with a power supply and OS and numeric keypad but doesn't have the snap-in modules) from Amazon I have saved the cost of a decent low-end business computer (that admittedly can't be upgraded).
It's the lenovo for me, buds.
NOW. That being said. It is getting harder to find user-upgrageable hardware, and that price difference CAN make more sense if you're choosing between a laptop that can't have RAM and storage upgraded and one that can, because for either one you should be aiming at at least seven years of use out of the machine and if you can't upgrade the RAM and SSD you're going to have a machine with a shorter lifespan.
Basically Framework pitches itself as longer-lasting and more upgradeable than similar laptops and I'm skeptical of that claim because I think you can actually find laptops with similar expected longevity and marginally more difficult upgradeablity for a lower cost. I would say that it's better/less wasteful to get a framework every eight-ish years than it is to get a six hundred dollar computer every three-ish years but that's the Vimes Boots issue - if you've got $1700 to get a computer without worrying about the price out the door, you probably weren't looking at a $600 computer with soldered RAM in the first place.
