Hi, I am considering buying a Framework 13 Laptop and looking for some general advice.
I am now looking to buy a new laptop for basic everyday use (streaming and browsing capabilities). I am not particularly knowledgeable on tech and am just looking for a reliable laptop that has good longevity (have had issues in the past with repairing laptops or breaking them easily). I’ve come across Framework and their apparent repairability and longevity are extremely appealing.
However i am slightly overwhelmed by all the options available and looking for general advice on the FW 13 laptop and what specs would be recommended for general use stated above?
Additionally i have a samsung PM981 256gb nvme ssd from my last laptop, and was wondering if it would be worth it or even possible to get a DIY model of the FW 13 and bring this as my own ssd option?
Welcome to the forum.
Some additional details about your use of your laptops could help people with suggestions. Such as, do you spend much time plugged in, or do you need as much battery life as possible / what’s your needs or expectations for battery life. Do you rely on a laptop’s built-in speakers a lot? Need them to be loud? Some consider the Framework 13 speakers to be a weak point (there are software profiles that can help them some). Is there anything you use with your laptops or plan to, external monitors, docks, storage drives, anything. Also, what model your current or last laptop was & it’s screen resolution if you know it. And any other specs if you know them could be useful. If you’re used to a high resolution display, then you may want to go for the new 2.8K display on your Framework.
You should definitely be able to use your existing ssd if you wish to.
Hi thanks so much!
I suspect that I will generally use it for home use, maybe some travel. But should have access to a charger at most time.
I have read that speakers aren’t the best out there, but I’d be happy enough to connect to headphones or a bluetooth speaker.
As it wouls be for general home use, I probably would not use docking systems regularly, may connect it to a second screen or tv on occasion.
The last laptop I owned was an Honor Magicbook 14 (resolution 1920x1080 pixels) and I’m currently borrowing a Macbook (but dislike Apples policy re: repairs,etc).
And regarding the SSD, would this be just plug and play? Or wouls it require more expertise knowledge? (Apologies if this is a ridiculous question, and possibly getting ahead of myself as Im sure there is help in the forums already - just trying to scope before committing)
Hello @Rose_Fagan. As MJ1 stated above, you should be able to use this SSD. However you need to be clear with your expectations. In the scenarios I can think of, you will lose the data on that SSD without taking additional, possibly complex, steps. It definitely won’t be plug and play.
In addition to the information that @MJ1 encouraged you to consider and share, which operating system (Windows or linux) are you planning to use?
Thanks so much for your reply! I’d be planning to use Windows!
And I don’t mind so much about losing the data on it (as I’m no expert, I thought it was lost anyway), it was more just to reduce the e waste and to avoid buying a new one if I already have one that works! Not sure if that makes the task more achievable!
It certainly does. Your intention to reduce e-waste is one of the main reasons that many of us are here.
I don’t use Windows so I’m unsure how its installer will react to discovering that your SSD is not factory fresh. There will certainly be forum contributors who know the answer to that question. If you don’t get an answer in this thread after a day or two, consider starting a new one with a topic like “How do I BYO SSD if it already has Windows on it?”.
Like @MJ1 and @truffaldino said bringing your Samsung SSD over to the new machine should work just fine. Almost all laptop speakers are somewhat weak. A good pair of bluetooth headphones or a bluetooth speaker (even an Amazon Echo, not the dot) sounds amazingly better.
If you are budget conscious, there is still a really great offer in Framework under the “Outlet” link. They still have a few machines with the 11th gen Intel board and original glossy display for a great price. You will need to buy a few more pieces to go with it though. This would be a great way to get into the Framework machines at a lower cost. Plus, everything on the original 13 model is still upgradable with the latest models even today.
It does not sound like you need a ton of processing power and portability/battery life is not critical, the “entry” level machine is going to be more than enough power for what you want to do for quite a while.
When you get your new machine, as long as you create a USB for Windows from the Microsoft Media Creator to install Windows 11; you have the option of formatting the old SSD to start fresh after installing it on the computer. When you boot the machine for the first time, I think the key to press is F12 as it is booting and then select the USB from the boot menu.
Amazing thanks so much! I did take a look at the outlet but wasn’t sure if I was just better off investing in the 13 now, and setting myself up for good. Especially as I have read that there were some issues with the 11 that have been upgraded with the 13.
I have an 11th Gen pre-build with 16GBRAM and 512GB NVMe
There is a problem with the 11th Gen intel in that it can lock up (die) due to a link to the CMOS battery an ML 1220. This wasn’t know at build time.
Since Framework offer a couple of work arounds, rewiring in the 12th and 13th so thr ML 1220 is charged from the main battery.
In the 11th Gen there is the option to rewire ??
The issue is the ML 1220 can discharge to create the ‘die’ which can happen after a few weeks of not being plugged in to recharge it, hence the work around.
The 11th gen would require at least 6 hours charging a week but in my case most days it is used plugged into the mains and I have no problems after nearly three years.
The most recent workaround id Framework will provide a small module to replace the ML1220 or a new ML 1220 to all 111th gen owners
11th Gen Optional free CMOS batteries for ever or workarounds, wire or module
12th Rewired to charge the CMOS
13th Removed CMOS battery so clock is permanently run from main battery
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend the 11th gen, unless the person says they’re tech-savvy & have read about its bios battery issue. I understand the issue doesn’t affect everyone, depending on how one uses their laptop, but with the potential always there, it’s just hard for me to recommend. ~Edit to add~ And to be perfectly honest, I think FW should put a note on those 11th gen outlet laptops making buyers aware that the potential exsists for the bios issue to come up. It bothers me that it’s not mentioned.
Sure, there is a fix, but Framework doesn’t do it to the outlet boards as far as I’ve heard. And many people won’t have the tools & experience to do it themselves.
That said, $500 for that i7-1165G7 B-stock (slight display cosmetic issues), that is tempting. If one is on a budget (and who isn’t these days?) & they’re fully aware of the bios battery issue, that’s a nice savings.
Thanks MJ1! I think I would be tempted by the one at $500 but they are currently out of stock, and the $700 is just not enough savings for me to consider with the potential issues and my lack of tech-saviness. But thanks for all you help and advice!
It shows in stock for me. But I failed to notice that it doesn’t come complete at $500. Memory, SSD, expansion cards, OS must be added. Plus wifi, only if you’re not in the UK or Germany, for some reason.
So minimum another $152 for 8gb ram, 250bg ssd, expansion card pack, 60W usb-c power adapter ($30 +39 +34 +49).
$170 if not in UK or Germany for the addition of wifi ($30 +39 +34 +49 +18). And you’d have to attach the wifi antenna plugs, which is not so easy if you’re not familiar with them.
And $139 for windows (ouch), $0 for linux of course.
All in $808 (499 +170 +139) or $790 UK/Germany (499 +152 +139). -39 bring your own SSD. -49 if one has a 60W usb-c power adapter already.
Very much not $500 complete.
of course.