Debian stable and the Framework 16

Framework Laptop 16 Linux
1

I was able to successfully install and setup Debian stable (bookworm) on the Framework 16. The graphical install does not work, but after performing an expert install, the system seemed to work surprising well without any major difficulty. I ended up following some of the advice found in these forums and elsewhere to address a few minor issues (e.g., disabling keyboard/trackpad wake up from suspend when lid is closed, updating the ADM firmware and disabling the scatter/gather feature to avoid unstable display-related issues).

Coming from a long line of ThinkPads, I’m cautiously optimistic, bordering on enthusiastic. The lack of that iconic ThinkPad keyboard and trackpoint is hardest thing to get past, but notwithstanding the seemingly impracticality of ever getting those cloned to other hardware platforms, my long cycle of ThinkPad laptops may have come to an end.

I summarized this experience in a more detailed write-up here: Debian stable and the Framework 16. I cite some discussion threads here. Thanks to all those who unknowingly helped me get to this point.

1 Like
2

Not a clone / official option, but maybe we’ll have a DIY option at some point, or even someone selling a kit.
Thinkpad keyboard mod (super early stages)!

And welcome to the forum

3

One thing I’ll mention because it isn’t evident from your writings that you know that, but the Intel Framework 13 mainboards do not have the port selection issues of the AMD mainboards. You get 4 thunderbolt enabled ports be default with Intel. The AMD Framework 13 mainboard is limited in a similar way as the Framework 16.

I don’t mention that because I think Intel is better, but just because this is a difference.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 16 and Debian stable!

4

Thanks for your replies (MJ1 and 2disbetter). I’ve made some minor updates to my write-up based on your feedback.

5

Thank you for this, it was the last bit of information I needed before purchasing a Framework 16. One thing I noticed was that I was able to get Debian 12.8 installed using the graphical installer without issue. Curious if you have the graphics module on yours? I did not get that option.

6

No graphics module. Cool that it worked for you. Not sure why it didn’t for me. I didn’t bother to do any debugging into the issue so we’ll have to chalk it up to some unknown phenomenon. Will be curious what others may find if they try it.

I almost always use the expert install mode anyway so it wasn’t a big deal for me.