The Framework Laptop - An Honest Review.

After over a week working on the Framework DIY Laptop, I'm going to share what I learned.

Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:35 - Ordering / Customer Service Experience
3:16 - Framework Laptop Models
3:50 - Setup / Assembly Process
4:30 - Design and Form Factor
4:51 - Build Quality
5:08 - The Display
6:36 - Camera and Microphone
7:26 - The Keyboard
7:38 - The Touchpad
8:02 - Fingerprint Reader
8:08 - The Speakers / Headphone Jack
8:53 - Expandable IO / "Thunderbolt 4" Ports
10:08 - Overheating Expansion
10:22 - Developer Program
10:38 - Battery Life
11:23 - WIFI / Bluetooth
11:30 - Is Intel Tiger Lake the Right CPU?
13:42 - Performance Benchmarks
14:29 - Are CPU Temps Too High?
15:24 - Fan and Fan Noise
15:46 - Pros and Cons
17:24 - Great Product?
18:11 - Who is the Target Customer?
19:38 - No Dedicated Graphics?
20:35 - Off to a Good Start.

Products Highlighted (Paid Links):

My Studio Equipment (Paid Links)

Find me on Social Media
Twitter: @elevatedsystem1

Audio file(s) provided by Epidemic Sound

[ElevatedSystems]

I misspoke at 9:30 and said 40 gigabytes per second when I meant 40 gigabit per second. That's like a level 8 mistake.

[RyanBreaker]

Even though I really like the performance of Apple's M1 and am deep in the "ecosystem", I'm so incredibly tempted to get the Framework instead of the upcoming new MacBooks just to support them.

[TheDeathmail]

Just one correction. Even if it fails, the laptop is still more upgradeable and repairable than an Apple product and most laptop computers you can buy. The vast majority of it's parts are stuff you can buy from intel and other manufacturers and we know that some 3rd party ports will be made. At least temporarily.

So even if it fails, we can still upgrade and repair our PC much more than the other guys.

[aravindk]

I've ordered mine. First time that I am using such a new company's product. But I just had to support them because Framework's values are something I strongly believe in. I don't know what the future holds for the company, but based on the merits of this laptop alone, without future upgrades, I still want it for the upgrade-ability. I'm doing my part.

[theena]

This is the one tech product released this year that I want to truly be successful.

[sharonb.]

Great video. That is a beautiful machine. I disagree slightly about the potential customer. I am not the “fixer upper” type of buyer, but following clear, detailed instructions is not a deal breaker if the project is worthwhile and occasional. This the type of organized, simple but quality product Apple buyers will purchase too.

[maximum]

This laptop seems like an amazing first product for a company. Framework is definitely at the top of my list when my current laptop croaks.

[Aegor]

I like it. I would hook it into an eGPU dock with at home.
I do agree with them not putting dedicated graphics in a 13in laptop. I've have not seen a decently priced 13in that has a decently powerful GPU that is also well cooled.

[kbhasi]

3:57 For anyone watching this later on, Framework mentioned in a blog post that the Wi-Fi card will be pre-installed on newer DIY Edition batches, 8th batch and later if I recall correctly.
10:08 Framework also mentioned in the same blog post that they're adding a heatsink to the flash drive!

[ShadowOfMachines]

I didn't know they included an STL to print your own enclosures. That is very intriguing, now I've got another reason to get one of these.

[psibug]

This Laptop will make a lot of sense for businesses that are using it far from normal repair resources. It might go well with a Star Link modem. The Configurable connections are great as it could save on dongles and you’d only need to put the Hdmi/DP on it when needed.

[peterharper]

One of the most important aspects of this is, of course, their promise to supply schematics to repair shops to allow them to repair the thing.

[switchprocontrollersplatoo]

Just got one for Christmas. Legitimately one of the best laptops I’ve ever used, even without considering the upgradeability. It is a very nice, very well made laptop. And on top of it, I love it. Framework deserves their appraise

[Panomition]

I love my Framework. Very high quality and it is exactly what I wanted (ultra-thin and light). Highly recommended to anyone in the market for a new personal or productivity machine, especially when portability is a factor.

[UNSCPILOT]

As soon as the have a version with AMD parts it's on my "absolutely must save for" list, I can't overstate how much my tinkerer side wants a repairable/upgradeable laptop so that it can live just as long as my desktop

[dylankirdahy]

Fantastic video! Very informative, well researched and well produced. This is the caliber of content I expect to see from youtubers with millions of subs

Really excited to see where Framework goes from here. Definitely one of the most interesting laptops I've seen in a long time

[electronforce]

damn for a channel with only 14.5k subs this video really was above and beyond what i was expecting, good job!

[philojenkins]

I could get the base model right now, but I think this company is worth the support so I'm saving up for the middle option. Rooting for framework to make it!

[joehogan]

The Framework laptop to me is the best secondary device for a pc enthusiast. What I mean by this is that this a great laptop for someone who already has a beefy desktop at home and want something that is ultra portable to do some work on. For me I am still going to compile my code at home, but when I am out and about I can use the Framework to write code.

[GreenPhoton]

Great review! I don't have a need for a laptop at the moment for myself (just desktop and phone for now), but I've been closely following Framework since Feb and had two friends preorder them. Second batch both, one shipped so far.
Personally, I plan on waiting until either an Alder Lake board releases or a Ryzen board releases. I'm too heavy of a multitasker for 4 cores to do it for me for now.