[FEEDBACK] Framework 16 screen and Linux (why not 4K)

[James3]

Hi,

While various alternative screens might be available on the market.
Has anyone worked out how to attach the screw hole part to an alternative screen ?
I think the screw holes / plate for the screw holes might be FW custom part.

[CruelSun]

There was a thread floating around here
where somebody was requesting To have the screen brackets be placed on the marketplace for sale. So that people could buy different screens online and try them in fw16.
If I remember correctly, the brackets get glued to the naked screen and then the brackets and screen are screwed to the top frame.

[MJ1]

@James3

Has anyone worked out how to attach the screw hole part to an alternative screen ?

Here

Unofficial Guide to Aftermarket LCD Replacement

KEY POINTS: The Framework Laptop’s LCD panel is replaceable with an aftermarket part aside from the official Display Kit in the Marketplace. The Display Kit includes the panel, aluminum brackets and EDP cable. In cases where only the panel is damaged, there is still a possibility of repair. The panel being used by Framework is manufactured by BOE with a model number NE135FBM-N41. The same panel is being used in the Acer Swift 3 and Acer Chromebook CP713-2W. Repair using the Display Kit is easi…

[James_Almeida]

Such a bummer they don’t have more options for 16" Display. I really want to make an external 16" portable monitor but would prefer 4K resolution for more DPI. Even the 13" 2K display has more pixel than the 16".

[Adrian_Joachim]

@James_Almeida

Such a bummer they don’t have more options for 16" Display. I really want to make an external 16" portable monitor but would prefer 4K resolution for more DPI. Even the 13" 2K display has more pixel than the 16".

You can buy those in pretty much whatever resolution and panel type you want already.

[Nickolas_Grigoriadis]

Interesting, global shortcuts and video capture works for me. I do suspect that KVM software like Synergy would have issues as Wayland only uses libinput, and that’s quite a bit stricter in what’s allowed.

Oh, old post
But from about KDE 5.27 and definitely v6.0 it’s pretty functional.

[Nicholas_Flamy]

@Second_Coming

it’s not anyone’s job to argue what the other person needs / doesn’t need (8GB vs 128GB of RAM, TKL vs full numpad…etc)

I mostly agree, but keep in mind that it’s impossible to cater to ALL niches.

Edit: Sorry to revive an old thread.

[Nicholas_Flamy]

Also, anyone got any recommendations?

Framework 16 display panel

Last thing, for my dad, whose eyes are weak, what Windows display scaling should I set on the Framework Laptop 16 with the stock panel for it to look fine? I’m thinking 200% might be a little too zoomed in but anything outside 100% or 200% seems to make text fuzzy in certain apps that don’t scale well.

[Artem_Pylypchuk]

If you’re wondering why I never bought Framework, this is why.

I’m using a ThinkPad P71 which I got on local ads for $1000 completely new (unpacked with 1 year shelf life), it has Xeon CPU, 4K panel and I upgraded it with 64G RAM (also modem and smart card reader). Yes, it’s heavy, ugly and battery life is terrible, but not because of panel or its refresh rate, because it’s old, power-hungry and open source sucks if vendors don’t support it (usually they don’t). I even have fingerprint scanner working (but not display calibration, unless I run it on Windows. And the reason it doesn’t work on Linux is because it’s a cheap/monochrome calibrator with some software hacks nobody wants to rewrite or doesn’t know how).

I’m using a Linux (not even Wayland yet), at 1.6x scaling; and 1x scaling works for me on a 24" Dell monitor (which I got on eBay for <$400 in like 2020), but 1.4-1.6x is better.
So, no, plugging the monitor still requires a change of scale.
To people complaining about scaling - stop using Windows. It’s hacky on a Linux - yes, but it’s just blurry on Windows, they didn’t even bother.

I’m not a gamer, I do software. Usually when switching projects (I’m mean mature ones) or working on a single startup you have a very diverse tech stack. So yeah, I need some space for my code! I don’t write it from scratch, I rebuild or debug issues, I need two panels with code, project tree, a simulator. I have like 3 IDEs open, some Docker containers. I used 2 monitors and even 3 at some point but it never really worked for me - I still end up working with just one (switching virtual desktops). Also, when traveling you don’t have them, and it’s already a habit (those nerdy/cooky Portabl mobile displays won’t break it).

So, TLDR; my reasons from 2022-2024 to not go with Framework (in order of priority):

1. Unclear about screen resolution, focus on refresh rate (not a priority for me). Some other startups, like Slimbook went even more radical - “you don’t need more that 1080p, it drains battery”, but changed their mind later. Funny how it doesn’t drain anything on 2015 MacBook Pro
2. Price (you can get a nice setup for less)
3. Unclear about battery life on Linux - still a problem for me, but I’m already used to either dock at home or wall sockets in hotels/cafes.

I think Framework made a good choice catering to gamers (with DIYish vibe) but paying a couple $K for a laptop and then doing DIY panel replacement for another $400 is something I wouldn’t want to go with.

Yes, people are different and have different priorities, but if you’re marketing Linux laptops for $$$, make sure you invest into hardware support. And when you say “no crapware, no bloatware” - well, stock Windows is already both.

[jared_kidd]

@Artem_Pylypchuk

If you’re wondering why I never bought Framework, this is why.

I never wondered…in fact, I don’t even know who you are.