It’s v1 from a relatively new company, trying something unprecedented. I’m not surprised it has some major flaws. The first Gen framework 13 did as well.
I own a Gen2 and a Gen3 framework 13 and they are both phenomenal. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a slim laptop, that wasn’t overly concerned about cost.
I’m sure the Gen3 FW16s will be great as well, but it’s going to be a bit before I would recommend them to anyone.
What I think would be great for framework to do next is to design a purpose built eGPU for the framework 13. I would really enjoy something that would turn the FW13 into a decent gaming PC, while still retaining the portability for travel.
It’s not v1 though, it’s v4 of the concept. They already made 3 generations of the concept with the framework 13, and it’s pretty bad to have these kind of issues after that many attempts.
You do realize the 13 doesn’t have the back part for replaceable dedicated GPU right? That means the chassis itself must be redesigned since the hole will make the previous experience in the 13 different enough.
But the entire concept of a modular build with replaceable ports should be well known. They should not have panel gaps, bad alignment with height differences and stability issues with these parts because they’ve had multiple design iterations of this already. So why have they seemingly not applied any of this knowledge and experience they have from the 13 to the 16? These are the same issues gen 1 of the 13 had, they should not exist on the 16 that uses the exact same design for these parts.
Some of these things might just be the usual Windows problems…like with the heat and fan noise. I have seen huge differences in a few machines (x86 tablet/HP laptop/thinkpad) running Linux vs running Windows. The machines running Linux hardly make a peep until you play a game or compile something. On Windows they were hot and noisy af, night and day difference.
I dual boot my Framework 13 Gen 1 and in Windows the fans ramp up within a couple of minutes of just doing some very light work. In Linux the only time the fans ramp to a noticeable level is if I “block” the exhaust when using it on a bed or couch, or a workload that goes full beans.
This statement doesn’t actually give a clear picture. It’s doesn’t explain why.
It’s the windows fan curve more aggressive?
What programs were being ran?
What was the actual fan speed?
What was the actual temp?
What was the exact version of Windows/Linux?
We’re these ‘experiments’ ran in the same hardware under the same conditions.
You can choose to be LTT and just say whatever and pass it off as fact, or you can be GN and back it up with highly detailed facts.
Six months later, with a new unit and new firmware, I’m feeling a bit better! Not good enough to give it my full recommendation, but enough to raise its score to 6 out of 10, which we define as: “Good. There are issues but also redeeming qualities.” But while the laptop’s more stable, most of my other annoyances are still kicking.
Sure it’s expensive but it’s so easy to customize and fix
Dang, that lid flex sure is something.
