Framework Laptop 16 User Reviews

samokosik · June 14, 2024, 7:17pm

Hello,
this is my full review of my Framework Laptop 16. Around a week ago, I I wrote my first impressions a and now it is time to write full review. When I was doing my first impressions, I had Windows 11 installed on my laptop (for testing purposes). Now that system is fully gone and my FW runs Arch and KDE as desktop environment. I will divide this review into few selections, not necessarily based on what is good and what is bad but to provide useful information to potential buyers.

Display
In my first impressions, I spoke very highly about the display. Whilst I still have to admit that it looks absolutely awesome, I found some disadvantages of it, as well. First of all, the bezel is not completely uniform. I personally do not have any pinching issues but for example, the distance between the end of the bezel and beginning of the display is larger on the left side than on the right side. It is also a bit larger on the top right than bottom right. However, no pixel is covered, so it’s fine. I am just a perfectionist and I noticed it. Apart from that, the resolution is 2500x1600 and while this is enough, fractional scaling should be used for optimal experience (150%). For Windows, this is not a big deal but for Linux (and xorg in particular), it can be a small problem. For KDE and Wayland, most applications work fine, just flameshot is a bit funky and scales down the screen when taking screenshots. Furthermore, the display is not calibrated from factory and setting a profile on linux (especially on wayland) may not always work. For these purposes a created a guide: [GUIDE] Setting ICC (ICM) Profile on FW 16 on Linux
So if framework wants this to be the ultimate linux laptop, I suggest adding a higher resolution display that is calibrated from factory and does not require using an ICC profile.

Ambient light sensor
This is mostly a linux issue but whilst the sensor works, I have not found any normal application that can take advantage of it. For instance, I have noticed i2c_hid_acpi i2c-FRMW0003:00: failed to set a report to device: -121 error while using illuminanced and the automatic brightness setting did not work. However, it started working when i found a script made by someone on the forums for Framework 13.

Rest of linux setup
Apart from that, I had zero issues related to setting up Linux and if yes, they definitely were not framework’s fault.

Spacers
They do not look very nice but they do not bother me much. Fun fact: they are now considerably more straight than a week ago - probably due to closed display putting pressure on them.

Keyboard
Honestly, this became the main issue of the laptop. I have the basic no-RGB keyboard and a numpad. First of all, some keyboard flex is present, especially around the middle of the input deck (letters like O, L, P). On the sides I get no flex at all. In addition, I would welcome more travel. Unfortunately, this is not the biggest issue - that’s its nonsensical layout. For example, my old P50 has a dedicated button for home, end, pg up, pg down, prt sc whilst framework has a dedicated button for none of those. Even my 12 years old HP with 12.3 inch screen has a dedicated home and end keys. On framework, I have wide arrow keys The situation does not get any better with the numpad. It does not have the numlock indicator, so I never know whether it is on or off and even the top keys are a bit weird. While escape and launch calculator are useful, I also have a button which is marked as “=” and types “´”. Another catastrophe is the light control. I would understand it is separate from the keyboard but why is it set to enter with num lock off? Just remove that weird “equals” button and make that one control backlight no matter the numlock state. On the other side, I value the modular approach of it. This means if my keyboard breaks, I have to replace only my keyboard and not the numpad.

Touchpad
It is far better than the touchpad on my P50. I really like how smooth it is and some gestures even work with linux. Personally, I prefer having dedicated buttons but I can easily forgive it. Theoretically, it could have been larger but for me it is big enough. Last but not least, I have never had issues with palm rejection on this touchpad (even in linux)

Battery life
This can drastically vary based on how you use your laptop. However, together with power-profiles-daemon and some power management modifications (such as setting the display to 60Hz when on battery or using the “balanced” mode when on battery), it can confidently last whole day without a charger. Overall, I am satisfied with the battery life.

Other things
Apart from that, it is pretty brilliant - powerful and even quite thin and light. Don’t get me wrong, it is not an ultrabook but it is far thinner and lighter than those workstations/gaming laptops. My P50 is far bulkier and heavier to carry around. Add the small but powerful power adapter and carrying this thing around is surprisingly fine.

Summary
I would still recommend the laptop to my friends because the repairability and upgradeability imho outweigh the disadvantages. Now we see another expansion bay module on the verge of being announced , so I am happy to see framework keeps improving the laptop.

Alan_Pearce · June 14, 2024, 11:11pm

Ditto - not only have the posts been going on for an age, but they seem to be spamming every thread that is only vaguely on subject that he is moaning about.

Me too. I can’t think why someone would buy a laptop with GPU and then expect to use it with an underpowered PSU that they happened to have on hand.

Jimster480 · June 15, 2024, 1:18am

You mean other threads that I made talking about the issue? There are 3 threads. The forum is just mostly dead overall…
However this seems to be a major issue on the forum where people don’t want to discuss issues at hand when they are happy with their laptop.
“Ages” is like a few weeks with multiple people arguing with me about things they don’t understand.

As far as buying a laptop and “expecting to use it with an under-powered PSU” this is a totally rediculous statement to say the least. The laptop supports USB-C PD (except it doesn’t actually support the standard) which means it would work with every charger through the power differences. Instead they have 65W (from the original framework laptop) profile and 180W profile. Nothing in between.
Limiting the laptop to power save mode when anything but the 180W charger is used is not conforming to a standard.
I definitely didn’t expect the laptop to bug out and lag with a 140W charger and run the fastest with a 65W charger (while draining the battery). It defeats the purpose of this being a USB-C powered laptop.

The laptop is RMA’d at this point in time.

henrytr · June 15, 2024, 1:46am

I’ve been exploring the fan issue a bit since I made my review. The GPU module is sluggish to turn the fans on, but they do come on and ramp up as needed. The Shell Module, however, is a different story.

@Jimster480 you might be interested in this post I made about experimenting with the Shell Module fans. They are practically useless. I’ve stopped using the Shell Module completely as it gets too hot to type and the CPU starts throttling.

Fraoch · June 15, 2024, 2:34am

Let’s keep this on subject please.

If you have an issue, please post in an existing thread or start a new one if a search doesn’t come up with anything relevant.

Andrew_Worsley · June 15, 2024, 2:04pm

Just an update on the hibernate / suspend issues

Got suggestion from Framework support to switch BIOS settings to optimal defaults - F2 (Enter BIOS) Set-Up, F9 (Optimal Defaults), F10 (Save and exit)
I also added no_console_suspend to GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT in /etc/default/grub (and did update-grub to implement it on kernels)

Then I started to get more informative messages not just black screen and reboot.

See fw16 debian bookworm hibernate not working for lots of details

Spenser_Black · June 20, 2024, 6:20pm

I got the DIY edition. If someone asked me to summarize my laptop in 1 sentence, it would be this: it is incredibly easy to assemble (and disassemble). Having built a couple of desktop PCs before, I never imagined assembling a laptop could be so much easier than that. When attaching the keyboard, trackpad, and bezel, I kept thinking “surely it can’t be this easy!”

I’d highly recommend a Framework Laptop as a “first build” for someone who wants to get into tinkering.

Honestly, I think these laptops have great potential for education, as an intro to computer hardware. The clear labeling and magnetic connections make it very accessible for a learner IMO.

Bill_Fitzgerald · June 20, 2024, 6:49pm

Strong agree with this.

If the framework folks partnered with a 3d printer manufacturer/org and collaborated on MakerSpace bundles, they would get a lot of interest.

FeiQi_An · June 21, 2024, 5:47am

Is this key board bleeding normal？

Tom_Duc_Huy_Tran · June 21, 2024, 9:05am

First impression as I have only just got the laptop today. Packaging was flawless, absolutely no issues thus far, everything just works! The build quality exceeded all my expectations (I had the diy graphic module edition). Certainly all the more commonly reported issues with spacers tolerances, threaded ssd screws, excessive gaps between modules etc I certainly did not see in mine. With regards to softwares every appears to work well too. It appears that as of this moment, at batch 21 for me all of the issues that could have occurred that I read about with earlier batches have been resolved or improved upon. All I could say is that I wish frameworks all the best as this is an incredible product. I do not normally have the time for a review but I feel that I must for this laptop as I felt that the earlier laptop reviews by people on youtube do not correctly reflects my experience with the laptop here, and that if there were anyone who was on the fence due to those reviews, do not be and just order one

On a side note to tell you my story, I finally decided to go with fw16 after a horrendous experience with a brand new xps 15 that I had for less than one month. Had issue with a dgpu (constant bsod when its active) which meant the motherboard had to be replaced, and even with onsite warranty I had to witness the new laptop almost being completely disassembled/gutted just to get to the motherboard by the onsite technician. The lcd cable was also damaged during disassembly so the screen would then have to be replaced (honestly I dont blame him as I saw the stupid design). Facing with another repair for a brand new laptop that meant to be top of the line needless to say I was incredibly frustrated (technician suggested another motherboard and screen replacement). As I witnessed the terrible internal design that was packaged into a admittedly pretty exterior of that laptop, I had enough and luckily was able to return it so I did. The previous laptop i had lived for 6 years and through the whole time there were components that I wish could be replaced but couldnt due to the planned obsolescent design and the expense it would cause to do so. There were components (screen, keyboard, trackpads that were still functionally working perfectly that I wish could somehow be migrated forward but couldnt). I could not deal with the wastefulness that bigger companies forced upon people like me anymore. I sincerely hope framework continue to expand as you guys are onto something big here. Buying a framework means we trust in the chance that you guys continue to be here to support us in the next decade so dont give up!

ValiantCM · June 21, 2024, 10:07am

Same on mine.
The laptop front case edge needs to be about 10cm away from my stomach to stop any bleeding.
The further it is moved away from me, the more obvious the bleeding becomes.

Keith_Andreano · June 21, 2024, 11:00am

Yes, other laptops I’ve had are the same. My MBP is a bit better, but even it still has some bleed.

Klay_Hart · June 21, 2024, 3:37pm

I’ve got the same on mine. I only notice it on the escape key.

Alan_Pearce · June 21, 2024, 9:04pm

I notice it on my FL16. The worst are the escape and delete keys, then the keys on the numeric keypad and arrow keys. Finally all the other keys on the main keypad all have some bleed.

PSierra117 · June 23, 2024, 7:28am

Okay, the FL16 performs mighty fine with the ADT-Link UT3G USB4 eGPU Adapter. I Scored 11th Place on Timespy with the R7 7840HS + RX6800XT Combo B-)

The Higher Scores look like they are using Oculink instead of an USB4 eGPU as they run lower GPU Clocks with higher GPU Scores.

For now i really like the Device, tuning the TDP with X86 Tuning Utility helps keeping the Noise lower. I do not have any Keyboard Flex. The Spacers were pretty aligned from the Get go.

Mike_van_Esch · June 23, 2024, 7:41pm

I calibrated my screen and did a full measuring report. Seems like the claims were right.
The screen itself is awesome, very happy with this laptop. Even without the dGPU it runs games faster than my old laptop with 1050 Ti. After installing W11, running the Christitus tweaks and running the Atlas OS playbook this thing is blazing fast and has pretty good battery life (I limited it to 60%). Install process was easy and everything was up and running within an hour.

Haley_G · June 25, 2024, 8:16pm

I keep forgetting to come back here and give a review on my beautiful machine after having it for a few weeks (Batch 19!), and I’ve got to be honest: I’m in love. It’s been fantastic! Sorry in advance that it’s a long review; I have a lot of feelings. I’ll leave a TLDR at the bottom.

I got lucky and don’t have any big problems with my spacers or touchpad module or anything. There is one spacer that’s a tiny bit crooked, but it’s flat and has no sharp edges, so I’m okay with the small visible gap. It’s not a functional/tactile issue, in any case, and barely an aesthetic one.

I was really worried about the keyboard, but I’m happy to say my worries were for nothing. I’m a keyboard snob, and I spend 8 or more hours per day typing intermittently for my job, and I usually HATE chiclet/island-style laptop keyboards. But this keyboard is SO comfortable to type on, even for long sessions. People have said they don’t like the slight flex in the middle of the deck, but I think it feels springy in a good way. The keycap texture is also kind of soft and grippy, and I love it. I usually have long-ish fingernails or gel extensions on, and they tend to slide right off the hard, shiny keycaps on laptops if my nails hit first instead of the pads of my fingers. That hasn’t been a problem at all with this keyboard. Seriously, I LOVE this keyboard.

The RGB settings on the keyboard are great. It’s a beautiful keyboard. I have it set to a static pink right now. (Shut up. It’s pretty.) The RGB numpad is just as beautiful (though yes, you do have to program them individually), and I ordered extra spacers to swap layouts depending on what I’m doing. The color-shifting spacers are so cool. I’ve gotten lots of compliments on them already.

The 16-inch screen somehow doesn’t feel that much smaller than the 17.3 and 18-inch screens I’ve had in the past. The bezels are thin, and I love the aspect ratio. I’ve had zero issues with it. I have to admit I love a glossy screen and may buy one if Framework ever decides to offer it as an option for the 16, but the matte screen is still beautiful and makes it super easy to work near windows or even outside. The brightness is totally sufficient for my needs.

I haven’t put this laptop through its paces as far as the specs, but running Sims 4 with a stupid amount of mods/cc is no problem. I’ve also used some Adobe stuff like InDesign and Illustrator without it breaking a sweat. I’m not seeing anything weird with fans as others have reported, or high heat (but I also often use an external fan pad, so that might play a part in how cool it runs). The graphics expansion module seems like it’s been doing a great job. Everything looks fantastic, especially compared to my old laptop.

One more thing I love about the Framework 16 is the expansion cards. I’ve already swapped some positions, changed them out for extras, etc. The flexibility of having the right ports for different situations or setups is awesome.

The best part is, of course, that I can repair or upgrade this laptop in the future as needed. I tend to dislike change once I know I like something, so being able to extend the lifetime of my laptop was a huge part of why I chose Framework.

TLDR; I’m so glad went with Framework! Works great, looks great, feels great. Love the keyboard. I can see myself having it for a loooooong time.

Jorg_Mertin · June 26, 2024, 9:26am

Love it You should see the tuned FW13 of my youngest

That is the part where I, as a traveler, disagree. I need it to be bright if required, and mat anti glare so I don’t see the white in my eyes and people passing by behind my back.
This is by far one of the best screens I have had on any laptop, and also better then some of the 23" screens I have had in the past.

Guest26 · June 26, 2024, 11:32am

I guess I’ll give my review of using this for a week+. For context, in case it’s important, I am using Linux Mint Edge and am a total beginner with Linux so I’m struggling on that end.

Got the DIY Edition. Was fun to put together, but was so simple that it was almost a bit disappointing. That being said, it was still a cool experience since you can’t even do that much with most other laptops. My spacers have no gaps, but the touchpad is raised a bit near the keyboard, but it’s such a slight bend that it doesn’t cause issues for me. Instructions were super easy to follow (even though I spent a few minutes wondering why the screws wouldn’t come out before reading that they’re not supposed to fully come out) and honestly, anyone could put this laptop together.

Expansion cards are super nice. I really like that I can change where they are on the laptop and have already exchanged them a bit. I also got a community made expansion card called the Donglehider+ and that works perfectly as well. I honestly got it just because I loved the idea of having a community made project and having to tinker a bit to get an extra part to work (just had to solder on the receiver pcb inside the donglehider). My one gripe is that the ethernet expansion card is super ugly and bulky to me. It’s semi transparent plastic and is like double the thickness of the normal expansion card. I’ve been hoping that the one thread talking about it would yield a slimmer community made ethernet expansion card, but I think that project was dropped, so that’s a bit disappointing.

The keyboard and RGB Macropad are both nice. The keyboard has a nice texture to it and doesn’t flex and feels super responsive. The macropad also has a nice sleek texture and look to it. I was actually worried the macropad would look kind of tacky, but I’m happy to say it doesn’t. I will say that the RGB lighting that it’s set to out of the box is BLINDINGLY bright, but luckily, without even downloading an OS, you’re able to change the settings of the RGB and there are a TON of options. I’m actually really glad that the macropad is set to a numpad by default since that’s what I wanted anyways and eventually I’ll change the extra buttons. Speaking of RGB, I couldn’t get keyboard.frame.work to work at all. I’m assuming this is a Linux problem, but I kept getting errors when I tried to get it to work. Like I said, I’m a newbie when it comes to Linux, so I couldn’t figure out a fix. So, that kind of sucks. Another thing is palm rejection doesn’t work at all. It drives me insane. There are fixes mentioned for it, but I can’t figure out how to make that work on Linux Mint Edge with the files I have. Palm rejection not working is actually driving me insane. Well, at least the touchpad has a REALLY nice glide to it.

The cooling on the laptop is AMAZING. When it gets hot, it really does an amazing job cooling itself down even if it sounds like jet engines have gone on full blast to do so. Some of the heat does transfer to the touchpad and spacers though, so your hands might get a little toasty. It’s not burning hot, but just a bit warm. The fans being on blast like that does make it a bit rough for streaming though, but that’s fine.

As for gaming, wow this thing can handle gaming WAY better than I thought. I was concerned because I saw reviews saying it was a little worse than a GTX 1080 with the dGPU, but it holds up incredibly well. I played Elden Ring while streaming with like 10 tabs open in Brave Browser and it works flawlessly. I mean, it stutters here and there, but I think that’s more of a Linux issue than a problem with the computer to be honest. Obviously, the fan is on full blast the whole time as well, but that’s perfectly acceptable to me. Very happy and pleasantly surprised with the performance of this machine with games.

I had some worries about how it’d perform and if it would be worth buying the dGPU, but I’d say it was definitely worth it. Overall, I think this was an amazing buy and would recommend it for anyone who is comfortable with taking the laptop apart when it’s this easy. There are better options if you don’t take into account the repairability and upgradeability of this laptop, but honestly, those two factors make it completely worth it.

Haley_G · June 26, 2024, 2:11pm

Very true! I think I’m just a weirdo for glossy. A matte screen is more functional and probably more preferred by the majority. And I agree about the performance of this screen—it’s pretty hard to beat.

How does your youngest have their FW13 tuned? I’m curious now!