I understand that that there are NDAs and uncertainties that prevent the framework team from making hard commitments prematurely. There’s obviously a balancing act to be had. However, it would be appreciated if there was a page dedicated to what kind of upgrades the team is currently focusing on. In the medium term. Not only would it help consumers make more informed decisions; transparency helps build trust.
For example, imagine I need a better screen on my 2-in-1 than what the framework 12 currently offers. If that’s a priority for the Framework engineers I can buy a framework 12 now and then upgrade the screen when it becomes available. But if It’s not a priority or if I’m left in the dark I’m more likely to buy from a competitor that has the screen quality I need.
Plus, having a clearer understanding of what Framework is working on, gives me confidence in their ability to achieve what they set out to; compared to trusting in abstract concepts like “upgradability” and waiting for that to pay off, especially as project updates eventually confirm the work they said they were doing. This is especially important for newer products that don’t yet have a proven track record of yearly updates
Your example does not really reflect reality IMO. In my experience that’s not how most people operate. Makes no sense to me to buy something you don’t need to hope it will become what you need in the future. Is there any product at all you did that with in the past? Buy what you need now and sell it to subsidize a new FW12 once it meets your requirements in the future.
Just imagine the world of pain if you bought something that does not fit your needs right now with them promising the perfect version in the distant unknown future. You would only get frustrated and torment yourself. Each delay would create immense emotional pain. Just look at us moaning about the delayed pen of the FW12 or the handle of the Desktop. And those are not even main components.
You can build your understanding of what they are capable of doing by reading up on what they did in the past. There are several years of history with the FW13 and FW16. Not sure where this desperate need for yearly updates comes from?
It’s cool that you are interested in Framework. Please join once you feel a machine that does what you need is actually available.
And if you need confidence, I would recommend checking out the previous products/upgrades, blog posts are great resourced for that. Since Laptop 12 is new, you won’t find much there but you can learn about all 7 generations of Framework Laptop 13 that was released within the past 5 years + RISC-V mainboard and other accessories like Cooler Master mainboard case.
And Wolfie has a point, everyone deserves to be happy with their purchase, if Framework laptop 12 is not a good fit for you for now, it’s okay, you can always join later if/when the product becomes what you want/need. There is no rush.
Funny you say that because that example is my current reality. I’m a planner. A better screen isn’t an urgent priority but I will need it eventually. One of the biggest reasons to buy framework over its competition is it’s future promises. If you just want a 2 in 1 that’s good enough today expecting that once it stops being “good enough” you’ll have to replace it then you’re not going to buy a framework. Knowing my expectations are in line with the devs priorities gives me confidence that it won’t need to be replaced when my needs evolve. If I’m left guessing, for all I know the upgrades I’m anticipating aren’t even on the dev’s radar. So yes, I’d like some clarity on the matter.
I feel like I addressed the points from that reddit comment in my original post. I don’t need hard commitments and if priorities or timelines shift it’s ok to acknowledge that, as it happens.
In fact, in contrast with this quote. The “what we didn’t add” video, (released alongside the Framework 16 Ryzen AI 300 series announcement) is a great example of the kind of communication I would love to see more of - at least it’s a step in the right direction.
It provided insight into the way Framework engineers are thinking about the product and provided evidence of the efforts they were making. It even included some soft commitments like “but we‘ll continue working on it” it’s not a comprehensive roadmap but it is still a roadmap of sorts, my only complaint is that it came after two years of holding their cards close to their chest after the initial launch, leaving buyers guessing whether the promise of upgradability was vaporware.
Personally I upgraded to my Framework 12 from a seven year old laptop, so I am of the mindset that I bought it for what it is, not for what it might one day be. I would be fine with having this computer for years even if I don’t upgrade it at all
That’s why I said most people. Albeit brief the linked statement gives their reasoning on why they don’t announce future product plans. Don’t get me wrong. Your arguments are relatable. I would also love to have more insights into their future plans too. Yet I respect their chosen approach. Considering how people generally behave it seems to have turned out the right choice.
Assuming that is what you have to work with, then - if the current FW12 is sufficient for your anticipated needs in the foreseeable future - I would say go for it. Once you need something better the better option is either available via upgrade or you’ll make the switch then and get an even better competing product. Completely understandable if you prefer to get a different 2-in-1 now too.
I think the problem is that for everyone like you who just wants a general idea of the direction, there are 50 people who will take every general idea as a promise and then be furious if it is delayed or even outright dropped for something else.
So it’s a bit of a judgement call on their part. I agree, a roadmap would be cool. But I totally get why they don’t do it. Even though the FW 12 can use almost any stylus on the market, people were upset that the Framework stylus was delayed, and then upset again when it sold out quickly. To the point that they were saying they were regretting their purchase and telling others not to buy because of the loss of faith in Framework over it. I’m not saying they shouldn’t have been upset. But I do understand why Framework is hesitant to announce things until they are very close to ready.
My statement was in response to your question about whether I thought this way In The past. It doesn’t need to be something most people care about as long as enough people care about it. I know I’m not the only person who’s been disappointed by Frameworks lack of transparency.
You are right insofar as Framework’s decision not to share anything is understandable. However, Framework is built on the idea that we should expect more from companies. The implication that if I disagree with their current approach, I should just accept it and move on, just because the majority are indifferent, baffles me.
As for the reddit link, I feel like I addressed those points thoroughly by now, so I’ll keep this part brief. I’m not expecting it to be all or nothing. Even in my original message I acknowledged the uncertainty and the need to strike a balance. Also, in a previous reply I pointed to an more recent example from Framework that contradicts that philosophy; holding it up as an example of the type of communication I would like to see more of.
It was not my intention to imply that. My apologies if it came across like that. I have no idea what the real rationale behind their decision is. Everything I’ve written are just my own assumptions. Was trying to convey my own interpretation of why they are taking the current approach.
I appreciate your feedback and yes - their recent insight video was great. Hope to see more like that too.
@BigT put it very well why a roadmap does not seem likely.
I am glad I don’t have to pubish roadmaps for things I work on to a public forum, and I would not wish it upon my worst enemy.
What would you even put on there? “Yeah we would like an OLED panel”. You have some folks looking into it, but it stalls because you can’t find a provider. Do you post that? Do you take it off the list? What if you get a lead, do you put it back on? With every change picked apart by forum goers and news outlets? Where, if you do decide to put something on you better ship it, and ship it quickly, because otherwise it would be framed as a failure, even though that iteration is just how business works?
