Framework 16: The Ultimate Upgradeable Laptop

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► Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:58 Look & Feel
02:15 Ports
03:02 Display
04:09 Keyboard
05:39 Trackpad
06:01 Sound
06:35 Webcam
06:45 Configuration Software
07:26 CPU Performance
08:56 Gaming Performance
09:42 Battery Life
10:16 Upgradeability
10:38 Linux Support
11:10 Heat & Fan Noise
12:40 Conclusion

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[saturnotaku]

This seems very much like a "version 1.0" product that needs some refinement. Tech heads and early adopters will soak it up in droves, which should hopefully give Framework the capital to smooth out the rough edges.

[maxtornogood]

Framework have been very transparent about their process and I know they'll keep working through the imperfections.

[HuskyMoment]

Gotta say, as a developer I've never had an issue with a 1440p panel, let alone a 1080p panel for what I'm doing. I'm not sure what kind of "coders" your referring to but I don't think 4K is really necessary for looking at 13pt text all day.

[Razzy_III]

The CS2 stutters are a CS2 issue, it’s compiling and caching the shaders for the first time during gameplay on each new map after a new install or major update. You might see them come back briefly loading into maps you didn’t test yet.

[FischOderAal]

I was in the batch 1 for the first 13 inch 11th gen framework and batch 1 for the first AMD framework. The third iteration with AMD feels significantly better than the first one. I assume the same will happen with the 16 inch framework. Every iteration will get better and you will be able to upgrade it to fix whatever you didn't like. Other than the bios battery fix I didn't install any improvement on the 11th gen.

[kamm]

A bit larger and upgradable is better than shorter and fixed components for life

[PerhapsGuy]

As you pointed out, the Framework 16 has a lot of issues, but the issues it has don't really bother me too much. Plus, I love what the company has set out to do, and I already have an 11th gen 13", so I already know what to expect. Great review, and I can't wait for mine to come in!

[Duoprism]

I think the most interesting thing will be how Framework handles a Gen 2 of this product. It may just be needing to buy a Gen 2 chassis which would save Gen 1 users a lot of money as they can carry over any components they don't need upgraded and buying any upgrades where needed. That could save you a lot of money compared to buying a brand new laptop from another company even with its current price tag.

[davidboesen]

Great review! Already have my preorder (bacth 7), but it’s nice that the worst issue is one they already have discussed at length and have already improved from the review units

[nerdfromdiscord]

I think large under display bezels aren’t that bad since they raise up the display and reduce neck strain

[progenitor_amborella]

Intriguing bit on the coil whine, from the 5th update on the F16 shipping timing update (Jan 11): “Resolved issues: 1. Tuning capacitor noise - We found and resolved one additional scenario that could result in a high pitch noise coming from the Mainboard when using >20V power adapters.”

I wonder if perhaps there are more scenarios where this occurs, or if you managed to somehow get a unit without this fix.

[pvalpha]

Thank you for the review. I will say that I am still looking forward to my framework 16 and the primary reason is that it checked all the boxes. 16:10 matte display, AMD cpu + gpu, 2 accessible ram slots, a full-sized m2 and a second m2... and 6 perpherial ports. *six* ports. Plus whatever is included with the dGPU. Completely replaceable components... but the most important part: if the hinges go south I can BUY THEM STRAIGHT FROM THE COMPANY! I have gone through 6 workstation/gaming class laptops that have failed because of the hinge in their 4th-5th year of use. Its just obscene. Gigabyte/Aorus, Dell, HP, Clevo... *sigh* Machines I spent thousands on. I can tell you their failure mode too - Metal hinge epoxy/screwed to a plastic layer that became brittle after thermal exposure. The only laptops I've never had a hinge crack on were MBPs and the T440s laptop from work. That's it.

About the only thing I hope is that the shield between the keyboard deck and the main board gets re-enforced. It looked really wobbly there so I suspect deck flex on typing might be an issue and that you might be able to improve key-feel with some re-enforcement.

[Sock-qvwr]

Thank you Josh! Few laptop reviewers are as concise and dedicated like you are.

[n]

I wish they had dual USB C modules, even if they would sacrifice some features for at least one port. I often need more ports, not fast ones. The features I find really interesting are the modules next to the keyboard, I would absolutely love some eink module or even the led matrixes and display some useful info on them using custom code.

[iamtheZanewrestlingreview]

Josh thank & Taylor for the review and the testing on linux

[ZeroPageX]

According to Framework, the 240W charging is not for later, it's for when you tax the CPU and GPU right now. Unfortunately, nobody currently makes a 240W USB-C adapter, so the battery will drain even when you're plugged in if you push the laptop all the way.

[adinnugroho]

Framework seems bring the Old Laptop era back, when they were modular, fairly easy to disassemble and flexible

This probably just make today's laptop from other brands kinda.... I don't know what can I say

[lostskull]

I know it might come across as coping, but the lower bezel being that thick and making the screen be slightly higher makes it a tiny bit more ergonomic when compared to regular laptops.

[leandrodasilva]

I was always curious about new laptops. Only this one made me excited

[PatKilo]

I enjoy your review style since it emphasizes the growing pains that Framework experiences with their computers. The opportunity to update the CPU after few generations is the most important feature for me. When it happens, I can receive a 30-40% CPU boost on my laptop without paying the entire $1300+ price. I'm speaking from experience, having owned a 13-inch framework laptop. When upgrading the CPU or motherboard, the old one can be powered outside of the laptop chassis. Allowing you to purchase a case from framework as a standalone computer with VESA mounting capabilities.
I used to own an Asus Zephyrus G14 GA104IV laptop, which regrettably died from water damage last year. I checked to see if I could get any spare components from any authorized or third-party websites. Unfortunately, no one is selling components for that laptop anymore. I appreciate the idea of a framework that allows users to fix their own laptops; all spare components, including the top and bottom cases, are still available on their marketplace. The ability to replace broken parts, upgrade the CPU/motherboard, and then reuse the old motherboard as a mini PC at home is really important to me.