Framework 13 Core Ultra Review

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► Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:43 Performance
01:39 Heat & Fan Noise
02:11 Display
02:45 Chassis
03:14 Keyboard
03:33 Trackpad
03:44 Sound
04:04 Ports/Connectivity
04:47 Config/Upgradability
05:00 Battery Life
05:29 Price & Conclusion
06:46 Outro

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#best #laptop #programming #linux

[cameronbosch]

Three words: Official Linux support. That's what I need! It's not great that most other Linux-first brands aren't competitive, but Framework delivers! (Although I don't see a point of the Intel model over the AMD Ryzen models!)

[davitdavid]

This is a laptop i wish was competitive. I dont like the idea of buying inferior products for years on end for the sake of principles, especially when you are strapped for cash

[CmmanderKewl]

Looking into it, and I was so disapointed with how expensive it is to upgrade the laptop. A new motherboard/cpu + new screen comes out to over 1000$ dollars. Might as well buy a new laptop every couple of years then just upgrading this one.

Edit: just wanted to say that I do love framework's overall mission and goals. I am rooting for them. I just hope one day it is feasible to buy for me (a poor person)!

[ZiggyMercury]

Framwork's idea is great, but it's ridiculous to start selling a Core Ultra Series 1 laptop about a month before the Core Ultra Series 2 laptop comes out, unless you sell it for a cheap, which is definitely not the case here.

[sindrisuncatcher]

I feel like you're missing the point if you spend half the review talking about how things like the case and the keyboard don't seem to have changed much since "previous generations" of the framework, because... it's literally the same case and keyboard. That's kind of the whole idea.

It's also funny how when qualcomm puts out a processor that has inferior performance but lower power draw, everybody says it's exciting and innovative, but when intel puts out a processor with the same performance as last year but drawing half the wattage, it's a disappointment. (I mean, you totally should be disappointed in Intel's behavior these last couple of years, but this isn't the reason why.)

That said, it's pretty late in the life cycle of the processor to be putting out this mainboard, and there aren't a lot of areas where it would be better than the AMD version that's been out for months.

[Bluestreak]

The #1 selling point for me with Framework is Linux support. #2 selling point is repairability and upgradeability - I'm not a fan of System76's Sager/Clevo rebadged hardware nor do I want to be messing around trying to hack Linux to run decently on <insert random, good performing laptop>. I'll be buying when Ryzen 300 updates are available - Probably FW16 if the spacer issues are addressed, otherwise FW13. Not interested in Intel until they have something meaningful to offer and mobile CPUs are definitively (and independent of Intel's penchant for lying) found to not be defective as are their desktop processors.

[Winnetou]

One thing that I feel is not expanded enough (and I'd also say it's the #1 feature, before the upgradeability) is the repairability.
With this laptop, barring some really unfortunate accidents, you're basically guaranteed you can use the laptop for 10 years! Including if Framework goes bankrupt tomorrow. I don't think any other laptop, except the old Thinkpads, could give you this guarantee, even if some models could easily last 10 years.

Also, in those 10 years (which don't have to be used by you, you can sell it after 5 years, or parts of it) you do have the easiest and cheapest repairs.

Another thing, on the upgradeability - with more and more models for each component, you can really build the laptop you want, in quite some detail. If you find a keyboard you like, you can keep using it, even if you change the whole rest of the laptop internals (basically as if you change the laptop entirely). Same with the screen, if you happen to find one that you really like, you can keep using it. For example, you might want to have a highend CPU, but you actually prefer the lower quality display, with the lower pixel count, because you actually don't need a higher resolution or framerate, but you do need the extra battery life. On basically all other laptops, if you have a premium CPU, you'd also have a premium screen - which makes sense, but in the rare ocasions when that would be detrimental, you have no options. Framework gives you options. Many more options.

There's also the "ok, last motherboard + CPU + RAM had their course, now's time for an upgrade" - besides selling them, you can also very easily convert them into a mini pc for a Home server.

Lastly, some people might simply want Framework for the clearly better environmental impact. Like I said in the begging - unlike the most laptop space, these laptops are made to have a very long life, which means less thrown junk per unit of time. Frankly, unless local AI actually becomes REALLY useful for most people, then just like an M1 Air is still very good today, so would a Framework or any laptop with a modern Intel or AMD CPU should be very good for normal and casual use for a long time. More than 10 years, I'd say. So laptops that have a lifespan of 10+ years should become the norm.

[adequatequality]

Framework's product methodology is really refreshing to see in the industry but they need to work on their CPU availability timelines and the pricing. Paying the amount they charge even for pre-built devices currently is pretty absurd when it rivals similarly spec'd flagships by slapping on accidental damage protection or an extended warranty

[anshulshah]

Given that the 7840u model already exists, this model seems pretty unnecessary you're basically getting slightly less performance while having slightly more battery life (which was surprising to see tbh).

[cameronbosch]

3:23 As somebody who uses the right control key frequently, thank you Framework for not following trends and also including Linux options for their laptop keyboards (keyboards with a Super key instead of a Windows key)!

[dgillies]

The truth is the Thinkpad T4X series of laptops were much more upgradeable than these frameworks. There were literally 12 mother boards available to fit into T40, T41, T42 laptop shells (all identical). The ultrabay could hold a hard disk or a CD or a battery - hot swappable! There were three keyboards and at least five screens and they were easy to change! Framework is devoting too much effort to the usb-c port gimmick, when a 6-port candybar dongle costs $25! They need to offer more than a single GPU which is the 7700S - the least popular GPU right now ... Overall, the company seems to have BAD technical leadership ...

[ShawshankRiveira]

I feel like you guys are missing the point on framework. I want to have just one laptop for ideally a decade or two. I don’t want to get a new laptop every 3-5 years and create more waste. Also I feel the price is high due to their manufacturing being much smaller in scale in comparison to say, Asus or others. But it’s also understandable the price is high for most consumers so other brands would be a better choice.

[nickydrake]

I like this channel, but the battery life reports are frustrating - surely every viewer wants to know *how many hours a laptop runs for* on a given test, not what the percentage remaining is after a particular amount of time. Why make the viewer pause the video and get their calculator out, rather than just tell them? It's very strange.

[giuseppebadala]

the new gen for framework will be a challenge for sure, zen 5 does not support soddim memory and it is rumored that it will be the same for the new lunar lake chips from intel. we'll just have to see how framework adapts to this market trend

[sydguitar]

For the price, i dont see the value. Especially now with Zen 5 and Arm chips being available

[NilEoe]

I wish there were data comparing models beyond the review units. I can't find comparaison between the 7640U and 7840U anywere, and same goes for the new Intel Core Ultra. The only data is about the most powerful models, which is kind of a shame as it's doesn't show the full picture and also kind of changes the value argument as those are the most expensive.

[DavorZyx]

I truly appreciate the work you're doing for laptop buyers, and I wish you would create similar in-depth, unbiased videos for other tech products, like smartphones. I understand that testing and reviewing laptops requires a significant amount of time and effort, but it would be fantastic to see you expand your coverage to more products while maintaining the high standards and quality in your testing and video production.

[bhavyagogri]

Can you guys do a review of Thinkpads please?

[giomjava]

As a Framework fanboy, I think these criticisms are not only VALID, but also absolutely CRUCIAL to be take into account if FW wants to stay viable in the near future. Must must must
Maybe create an updated clamshell/chassis, that will have better cooling, allowing newer chips to use and dissipate more power?
Continuing this trend of leaving performance on the table because u cant dissipate power, is dangerous.

[prosetheus]

I want companies like framework to succeed. I hope they grow a lot and they manage to bring down prices. Also hope for a Copprlink port, the new upcoming standard for egpus.