Now that we’ve talked about your favorite Framework configurations (which you can still add if you haven’t), I’d love to know more about your experience with non-Framework configurators - which are your favorite and why?
For example, I recently customized a pair of Converse chucks and I liked the way their configurator was set up for full customization all within a 3D model that I could share via link. I could see a visual of every change I made and rotate it though I wish it had an apply all for prints so I didn’t have to do each panel manually.
I’d love to know what you like and why so feel free to drop it in a comment below.
[Please don’t use this thread for troubleshooting or other topics. I’m still doing science 
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Thanks!
I ordered a keyboard from beekeeb a while back and enjoyed the process; I felt like I was able to get a pretty personalized item out of a pretty simple set of choices: Pre-soldered Chocofi 36 Keys Low Profile Wireless Split Keyboard – beekeeb
I don’t know if this one counts since it’s not really a store, but PCPartPicker is the GOAT when it comes to configuring PCs. The configurator is the whole point of the website! https://pcpartpicker.com/
And finally, DELL is a prime example of what NOT to do. The thing I hate about Dell’s is that clicking one option will unexpectedly cause all your other selections to change. This happens because Dell is trying to use a configurator for selecting set-in-stone products that can’t actually be configured. They’re basically using configuration as the world’s most inconvenient search tool. Infuriating experience: Alienware 34 280Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor | Dell USA
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This is specifically about configurators so I’d recommend making this it’s own individual post. I appreciate your feedback, but I want to make sure we stay on topic.
Any configurators with options to have no OS or at least non-Windows installed are good, plus point of retaining the right Ctrl key
What do you mean by “configurator”? Are you talking about the customization process that online stores have? Is Framework going to overhaul their customization process?
yea, how you customize other products. no plans for any changes on our side, im just understanding what our community likes and doesnt like by other brands
I really liked the Puget Systems configurator, mostly because combined with their annual post about component error rates you could feel assured that your new system would be reliable, and you could even use it to pick parts for home build/upgrades.
Sadly, they are too focused on high end for my current needs.
I have two of their systems, from 2016 & 2019. Both were low-end by their standards but medium-ish by other standards, and both are still going strong.
The old IBM ThinkPads, of course, are great, and probably an inspiration for these inserts.
When I want to BASH, I bust out my T20 from a thrift store; if that’s clunking along too much with random play in the background, I’ll bust out a T420 I bought used online. But now I have this Framework 12, so those two are collecting dust. Gaming is done on a Steam Deck. For music, it is normally a phone—preferably with Linux, but not quite yet.
Hopefully not too off-topic: I’m also waiting on a 3D-printed Forte Violin with an artsy top and back. I plan on hooking it through the Framework 12 with an electronic pickup, as Linux has so many sound studio tools to play with.
An MNT Reform would be nice, but I’d probably build something myself to save on cost. Though, when I fire up my Novena board, it still doesn’t have a case. 
Coming from the other thread, I might have misunderstood as well. By configurators, do you mean something like the one on the Forte 3D site? Or, better yet—and likely more geared toward the topic—something like the Dbrand site, which had a lot of options when I was looking for a Steam Deck case?
yea the first survey was on our own configurator and what specs people liked best - I was curious if there were any configurations that were more popular from our forum community. This one is on other configurators on other sites and the experience people have had with them.
I’ve had my shopping cart filled and emptied multiple times here with multiple configurations. It’s kind of fun, especially considering that you can actually buy it—unlike on a car website where you can spend hours building your dream vehicle, only for them to pawn you off to a car lot where they might have it. Otherwise, they have to order it for you, which makes me wonder: why did I waste all my time building it in the first place?
Sorry; I’ve spent the last year researching cars and plan on spending the next year or so before actually buying one. I feel like the best purchases come from the most research.
I’m liking the idea buying a second or third DIY 12 rather than just a new mainboard, because then I’ll have spare parts in the future. Plus, if you own two or three of the same machine and set them up different ways, you have a lot of configurations you can switch between, even make more moving parts around.
I really like the new 13 Pro with the multi-colored keyboard where you can match the bezel and attachments. Nice. And who would want an “external” GPU sitting next to their laptop on their desk? Not me.