I just received my Batch 1 Framework Laptop 12 in Sage today. Original delivery was scheduled for 7/30, but it was held up due to a customs clearance issue and spent 6 extra days in a FedEx holding cell. I have no idea if the delay was Framework’s fault or not, but regardless, I went into the unboxing in a predisposed state of disappointment.
While completing the assembly, I realized that the stylus was nowhere to be found.
I hopped in the forums, to see if anyone else had experienced an issue with a stylus being left out of their pre-order, only to discover that the stylus isn’t actually shipping yet.
[rant mode activated]
I pre-ordered on day 1 of availability for my region (United States), so I assume that the stylus delay must have been something that came up after my order was placed. I don’t remember any warnings or notices that popped up about the stylus delay at the time of ordering, and I certainly haven’t received any post-order communications regarding this from Framework. Additionally, I searched the company’s website for any proactive messages or posts about this situation that I could have missed, and I couldn’t find any official announcements about this anywhere other than Framework staff responding to forum posts.
I suppose my frustration in all of this is that my personal use-case scenario for the Laptop 12 completely relies on the tablet / stylus functionality. I find myself massively disappointed that this new piece of tech that I’ve been waiting on cannot be used in the way that it has been marketed to me, all because I was blissfully unaware that the stylus isn’t yet available. I feel like a dumb kid who eagerly ripped open that awesome present under the Christmas tree only to be disappointed by the fine print hidden on the bottom of the box - “batteries not included”.
In my mind’s eye, I already see the replies rolling in - I’m a dumba$$ for not paying more attention, this isn’t Framework’s fault, if I’m soooo upset I should feel free to send my laptop to @random_framework_fanboy who’s stuck in pre-order batch 99, etc.
I suppose I just wanted a chance to vent my frustrations, and if you’re listening Framework, I think you could have done a better job in communicating the stylus issue to those that pre-ordered and avoided a negative experience. Thank you for the forums and the fact that I have an open place to discuss negative experiences - most companies would never allow something like this message to be posted on a company owned system.
I agree it’s a major bummer that the stylus isn’t available yet. As far as I’m aware, they said from the beginning that the stylus was not included and would be available later, for an additional cost. That was always my understanding. But I suppose it’s an easy thing to miss if you aren’t following things super close like a weirdo (me, lol).
Either way, I’m sorry you ended up disappointed. If you need a stylus right away, I was able to get one that works okay from Amazon for $30. I know that’s still an extra cost and an extra wait, which you weren’t expecting. But hopefully it doesn’t turn out to be too much of an issue for you. Cheers!
I honestly think Framework has been clear enough about it. On the product page there is a big “stylus coming soon!” with a “notify me” button, and the actual order page has this:
I’m not sure what more we could reasonably expect. Not to mention not everyone is going to want the stylus, whether it’s because they don’t want one at all or already have one that works. It’d be a bit wasteful.
But I don’t think you’re a dumbass. It’s not a crazy assumption, especially if other tablets and 2-in-1s usually include them (I wouldn’t know) and not ending up with what you were expecting is frustrating. I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t been in your shoes in a roughly comparable situation.
I had to read the FAQ to understand what to look for.
I just received a second-hand Lenovo USI 2.0, but unsure as nothing tells on the stylus itself and the battery seems to be dead and now I’m waiting for some fresh batteries to arrive.
I hope that the official stylus won’t rely on AAAA cells, they aren’t common.
Just FYI, the laptop defaults to MPP 2.0 support in the BIOS. To use a USI 2.0 pen, you will have to change the setting in the BIOS. I can help you find the option if you have trouble.
I had no problem with that, I found the information.
My point is that anything bellow release “2.0” would not work so to say any stylus isn’t correct and could lead to more rant.
I’ll catch AAAA batteries tonight to check if the Lenovo Stylus I got is working or not under Linux. I never used that tech before and I also purchased that laptop for that purpose so I hope I won’t face too much difficulties. I’ll learn a lot, for sure.
That’s excellent that it doesn’t use these dreadful AAAA cells.
I may order one when it becomes available, I understand the ‘rant’ from the original poster. They should have said “later on” than “soon” in their communicaton.
With “soon”, one would expect to receive the pre-ordered laptop only when the stylus is available.
Personally, I’m happy with that laptop thus far. The touch screen works immediately under Linux, only a matter of using something more accurate than my fingers.
The AAAA cells are really uncommon, though all the Microsoft Stylli? (Whatever the plural for Stylus is) [PENS they are called PENS; its too late at night right now… ] use this. We have a number of Surface devices at work and surprisingly that little battery lasts a really long time.
There are a number of Microsoft Surface Pens for sale used, just note that they generally implode from static shocks; so no running with the pen in hand with socks in the winter please.
A few years ago my Lenovo stylus died a few hours before an important presentation. My spare battery was dead too, so there I was, in the copy room, trying to use a paper cutter to crack open a store-bought 9V battery … it worked, but I threw it all away afterward. No AAAA for me ever again.
I picked up a pack from amazon when I had a stylus that used it, worse than that though was a lenovo stylus I had that took an AAAA, as well as 3x extremely small watch batteries.
the FW stylus being rechargeable is a godsend, I’ll be picking up two since I’ve had issues with a stylus malfunctioning or even breaking when you need it the most.
I only wish FW would just let us place a preorder for the stylus – if not everyone, then at least if you’re signed in with an account that had pre-ordered a Laptop 12 – so that (a) they know how much inventory they will need and (b) so that I don’t inevitably miss it when they do finally go on sale.
Maybe they’ll announce the stylus release (or at least give a timeline) at the “next big update” (Our next update is coming), although that sounds more like a Framework 16 thing.
] use this. We have a number of Surface devices at work and surprisingly that little battery lasts a really long time.