Framework laptop isn't for you? Here's the next best thing!

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#framework #laptop #linux

00:00 Intro
00:37 Sponsor: 10% off your first website with Squarespace
01:35 Who are they?
03:45 Customization Options
05:10 Comparison with Framework
07:07 Design & Build Quality
08:53 Specifications
10:35 Performance & Battery life
11:51 Display, inputs, speakers, mic & webcam
13:41 Should you buy one?
14:58 Support the channel

NovaCustom is from the Netherlands, and they're specialized in laptops, you won't find desktop PCs in here. They put the focus on customization of your laptop to your exact specifications, they ship Linux out of the box, and they use coreboot.

They offer 3 years of warranty, and they guarantee spare parts availability for your device up to 7 years after your purchase.

They have 14 inches, 15 inches and 17 inches, the cheapest they have is 749€, and the most expensive goes up to 3900 euros but that's with all the options ticked

Of course, you can change the specs, but you can also add you own logo, you can change the boot logo, you can engrave the palm rest, you can pick between Windows and Linux, or you can ask them to create a dual boot.

You can choose yo use your own keyboard layout, in ANSI or ISO, change the look of the super key, change keyboard illumination, ask to completely remove the mic and webcam...

Framework goes further, since you can even replace the entire motherboard and keep the whole chassis, keyboard, panel, webcam and ports. They don't have as many models and sizes though, and until the 16 inch model releases, you're not getting any dedicated GPU options, and you're limited to 13 inches.

Novacustom is more about customization, repairability, and allowing users access to their own hardware, where Framework is more about keeping the exact same device, and making it modular, and allowing complete upgrades.

In terms of price range, Framework will be a little bit more expensive than NovaCustom for the same configurations, but they do have better panels, and newer CPU options, plus Ryzen options that Novacustom don't currently offer.

My review unit is the NS51 series, their mid range laptop. In terms of build quality, it feels very rigid, the hinge is super solid. The whole thing is pretty heavy, 1.7 kilos, and it's quite sturdy.

The only real issue I can see is the position of the power button, next to a USB port

All the spare parts are accessible for up to 7 years after your purchase, and they give you a complete service manual.

My review unit came with a core i7 1260P. In terms of I/O, on the right, you get gigabit ethernet, the ill placed power button, one USB 2 port, a micro SD card reader, and on the right, you have your barrel charger, an HDMI port, a USB 3.0 port, and 1 thunderbolt 4 and 1 type C 3.1 Gen 2 port. You can charge the laptop using USB C.

This laptop came with coreboot, with Dasharo firmware.

In terms of performance, the CPU gets a more than honorable 2498 in single core, and 7450 in multi core. As per battery life, this chip is relatively power efficient, it lasts for about 7 hours at mid brightness, wifi on, watching youtube videos in a loop.

Now let's look at the various things this laptop comes with. The display is 15.6 inches, 1080p, 16:9, 300 nits of brightness. It covers 98% of SRGB.

As per input, the keyboard feels pretty good to type on. They keys have good travel, they bounce back well, it doesn't feel mushy for a membrane keyboard, and it sounds pretty good. It's a good keyboard.

The touchpad is decent, it doesn't feel like glass, but it's smooth enough, large enough, and it feels precise. It did wobble a little bit and you can feel that when just using tap to click.

Now, the webcam is the usual potato quality fare, it's 720p.

The microphone is the same, it will be suitable for short video conferences, but it makes you sound distant.

And finally, the speakers, they're your average fare.

[itsapersonn]

I think it's awesome that other companies have seen the success that the Framework Laptop has achieved and want in on it. It's a huge step forward for consumers.

[Siniverisyys]

I think it'd be really cool if System 76 built Framework laptops and modules

[PixelShade]

It's a shame they don't have any AMD options. Otherwise, I really like what they are doing, and after buying conventional laptops, I am really looking forward to get one in the future that is actually repairable.

[Chemical_Alchemist]

I just ordered a Framework 13 last week, I can't wait for it to come in. It's actually a downgrade from my current laptop, but I need a small laptop with a long battery life for college and I love that it's something that I could continue to upgrade for years to come.

[jimbo-dev]

I’m glad that they sent a high end model without nvidia gpu. It is surprisingly hard to find high end cpu and integrated gpu combination in stock, which is very beneficial configuration for many programmers

[rijaja]

It's cool to focus on customization but they only have 16:9 aspect ratio displays, even on some models that are physically 16:10, which looks a bit weird with the huge empty space at the bottom of the display assembly

[arxaaron]

Framework 16 pre-sales just opened. I've been following their progress for a while and, given the flexibility of my budget and attractive features like exchangeable ports, , they will probably get my purchase. Still, it was nice to have this video to make comparisons with some viable alternatives that I wasn't aware of before. Thanks Nick!

[Tom_Azin]

I like the power button on the side as that means I don't have to open up the laptop if I want to use it with my desktop monitor and keyboard and mouse.

I would however rather see that the power on button would not be a simple push button, but push and slide (like on angle grinders for example) preventing accidental turn on/off.

[ernestoditerribile]

A very honest review. Way better than most YouTube channels.

[thetriankh]

The list of such companies which focus more on repairability or sustainability or linux keeps on increasing. There's System 76, Framework, Starlabs, purism, Tuxedo, Slimbook & now Novacustom.

[justinchampion]

LMAO! When I saw you typing in 'TempleOS' in their configurator, I was glad I wasn't drinking anything... ZOMG.

[wyfyj]

Can't wait for my FW13 to come in. I bought the AMD version. Currently setting up a VM of NixOS so I can migrate the config files upon installation.

[LautaroQ]

I don't care about the energy but overall the rest sounds amazing. They are not cheap products, but the experience as a whole doesn't sound cheap either which is a great thing to say. Hope they do well!

[tctba]

USB 2 is needed for stability when flashing Android phones via fastboot and doing similar things

[Fenrasulfr]

Another laptop I can not afford 😢. Although it is really cool to see more and more manufactures that take repairability seriously.

[developerpranav]

Highly considering Nova Custom for my new laptop. They share many good things with System76 and Framework, while also shipping to India! Their focus on sustainability and the thing about running on renewable energy only increases my trust in them, which makes me willing to pay the premium. Thanks for the great review!

[patjustpat]

I don't often follow the channel and I have been lucky enough to tune in the day you bring up novacustom. I bought a NS51MU from them over 2 years ago, and I've gotta say, Wessel is the man! I unfortunately have had to use the warranty (in multiple occasions) due to batteries being swollen, and they took care of the issue in a way which totally exceeded my wildest expectations. I landed on them because I found the exact laptop I wanted by Clevo and I checked all resellers in EU. I'll just say that if I could buy groceries from them, I would. 20 stars out of 5.

[Appalling]

Never heard of this company. I've been mulling over a Framework for over a year now but the last I checked I still can't get it with a Spanish keyboard. Also, I don't know if the Framework devices are available with Coreboot, which I would totally prefer. I am someone who wants total repairability home-based replaceability and that's what got me interested in Framework in the first place. Also want a laptop with hardware that works perfectly with Linux (be it Mint, Arch, or Fedora). Guess I'll mosey on over and take a look at NovaCustom. Thanks for the video, Nick!

[teachingthecode]

The 14 and 15-inch HP Elitebooks are very repairable and durable. I've had a 14-inch HP Elitebook with a first gen Ryzen APU for over 4 years now. I've dropped it onto concrete from over a meter up three times, still works. I've upgraded the RAM and Wifi card, and I've replaced the cooling fan and battery. The Cooling fan started making a noise after 2 years and the Battery had a bad cell after 3.5 years.

[chrisa]

Thanks! I didn't know about this company, and it's exactly what I was looking for.