Als je technologienieuws en-beleid volgt, heb je misschien gehoord van het recht op reparatie-het idee dat, door de wet of gewoon omdat het de juiste keuze is, bedrijven die producten maken, moeten de instructies geven zodat mensen hun apparaten kunnen repareren en de levensduur ervan kunnen verlengen. Hoe zou het ideale apparaat er in dat scenario uitzien?
Het zou waarschijnlijk veel op de Framework-laptop lijken. Het eerste apparaat van Framework, de notebook (vanaf $ 999 vooraf geconfigureerd of $ 749 voor de barebones DIY-editie die we hebben getest). is ontworpen om gemakkelijk te upgraden, met de mogelijkheid om het moederbord te vervangen zonder de hele laptop weg te gooien. Het maakt ook aanpasbare zijpoorten mogelijk via een aantal uitbreidingskaarten die passen in het chassis. In theorie kun je deze laptop consequent updaten in plaats van hem helemaal te vervangen, waardoor verspilling wordt verminderd en precies de laptop wordt verkregen die je wilt. Het is veel gemakkelijker te upgraden en te repareren dan de beste ultrabooks momenteel verkrijgbaar.
In mijn tijd met de DIY-editie (plus gesamplede componenten en uitbreidingskaarten die zijn uitgeleend door Framework), was ik verbaasd over hoe goed dit eerste-generatieproduct eruit leek te komen. Ja, ik heb moeite met het reflecterende scherm en het plastic trackpad. Maar ik kreeg ook het moederbord in minder dan 20 minuten. Hoewel het veelbelovend is dat Framework zich voorbereidt om de eerste eenheden te verzenden (een hindernis die veel bedrijven niet hebben genomen), zal het bedrijf echt een paar jaar moeten bestaan en bloeien om het volledige potentieel van de Framework-laptop te zien.
Ontwerp van de Framework-laptop
Aan de buitenkant ziet de Framework-laptop er niet bijzonder uit. Van binnen maakt het een statement. In de meeste van onze beoordelingen onderscheiden we het algehele ontwerp van een notebook en hoe u deze upgradet. Maar op de Framework-laptop kun je niet over het een zonder het ander praten.
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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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Op het eerste gezicht lijkt deze laptop grotendeels op alle andere. Ironisch genoeg is het een beetje een MacBook-kloon. Op het zilveren deksel staat het Framework-logo in het zwart, maar omdat het niet erg herkenbaar is, ziet de laptop er een beetje uit als een filmrekwisiet. Framework zegt dat het chassis is gemaakt van een combinatie van post-consumer gerecycled aluminium en plastic, en het voelt niet zo premium aan als sommige metalen notebooks, maar het lijkt ook niet goedkoop. Er is een kleine groef om het deksel te openen, maar het is niet diep genoeg om met één hand te openen. Soms bleef mijn nagel haken, maar uiteindelijk had ik meestal twee handen nodig om de laptop uit te klappen.
Als je het deksel optilt, zie je het 13,5-inch 3:2-scherm en een nee-frills chiclet-toetsenbord, samen met een vingerafdruklezer. Maar het grote detail zit aan de zijkanten: er zijn geen andere poorten dan een 3,5 mm koptelefoonaansluiting. De rest komt van een reeks uitbreidingskaarten die u kiest om in de sleuven aan de zijkanten van de notebook te passen. De vingerafdruklezer werkte goed genoeg, hoewel ik vond dat hij soms verrassend warm aanvoelde. Ik wou dat Framework ook een manier vond om infrarood te gebruiken voor Windows Hello gezichtsaanmelding op de laptop.
Met 11,68 x 9,01 x 0,62 inch en 2,87 pond is het Framework het bewijs dat ja, je nog steeds kunt maken een dunne, draagbare notebook die door de eigenaars kan worden gerepareerd of geüpgraded. De populaire Dell XPS 13 is 11,6 x 7,8 x 0,6 inch en 2,8 pond, terwijl de Macbook Pro met Apple’s M1-processor (en alles vastgesoldeerd) is 12 x 8,4 x 0,6 inch en 3 pond. De HP Spectre x360 14, een 2-in-1 met een beeldverhouding van 3: 2 zoals het Framework, is 11,75 x 8,67 x 0,67 inch en 2,95 pond.
Framework-uitbreidingskaarten
Als u de Framework-laptop bestelt, moet u vier”uitbreidingskaarten”selecteren die passen in USB-C-poorten op het moederbord en sluit gaten in het chassis. Onze recensie-eenheid kwam met alle mogelijke opties, en mijn doel was om een USB Type-C-poort aan elke kant van de laptop te plaatsen voor eenvoudig opladen, samen met een USB Type-A-poort voor oudere randapparatuur en een HDMI-uitgang. Andere opties zijn onder meer extra opslagruimte, een microSD-kaartslot en een DisplayPort-uitgang.
De kaarten zijn hot-swappable, hoewel je op zijn minst de laptop wilt sluiten om ze te nemen uit. Je verwijdert ze door op een klein knopje te drukken om het slot te ontgrendelen en trekt vervolgens de kaart uit het systeem. Het is even wennen, maar als je het een paar keer gedaan hebt is het niet zo heel moeilijk.
Op het moment van schrijven kosten USB-C-en USB-A-poortkaarten elk $ 9, terwijl MicroSD, DisplayPort en HDMI allemaal $ 19 per stuk kosten. Een uitbreidingskaart van 250 GB kost $ 69, of je kunt 1 TB krijgen voor $ 149.
Dit zijn in feite slechts een reeks nauwsluitende dongles. Ik heb zelfs geprobeerd de USB Type-C-kaart op mijn MacBook Pro aan te sluiten en het werkte als een passthrough. Het las ook de 250 GB-uitbreiding als een USB-drive, net als de Framework-laptop zelf.
Voor het grootste deel werkten ze allemaal zoals verwacht. Het enige probleem dat ik had, was het aansluiten van mijn Thunderbolt 3-dock op de laptop. Om de een of andere reden zou de pc zijn eigen beeldscherm en een externe monitor niet ondersteunen. Om dat te doen, moest ik de DisplayPort-of HDMI-kaarten pakken. Vreemd.
De Framework-laptop bouwen
We hebben specifiek de Framework Laptop DIY-editie beoordeeld. Het chassis is hetzelfde als elke voorgeconfigureerde Framework-laptop, maar je moet zelf de RAM-, opslag-en wifi-module installeren. Bovendien komt het niet met een besturingssysteem. Deze onderdelen kun je bij het notitieboekje bestellen (Framework verkoopt ze graag aan je) of je kunt je eigen onderdelen meenemen als je ze hebt.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Framework bevat een schroevendraaier in de doos met een dubbelzijdig bit (de ene kant is Torx 5, de andere is een Phillips Head 0). Het handvat van de schroevendraaier loopt langzaam taps toe tot een spudger. Het is op geen enkele manier een luxe tool, maar het is een leuke touch en het heeft me geholpen om de klus te klaren.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Om de laptop te openen, moet u deze losmaken vijf geborgde Torx-schroeven. Vervolgens klap je de laptop om, opent het deksel en je kunt het toetsenbord eraf trekken, te beginnen met de rechterhoek. Het wordt vastgehouden met magneten en komt er gemakkelijk uit, maar pas op dat u niet te krachtig trekt, omdat u een lintkabel aan het touchpad moet laten zitten (het is behoorlijk lang, dus het komt wel goed).
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(Image credit: Tom’s H ardware)
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Inside, almost everything — the speakers, storage, memory, battery, and touchpad — or the spaces for them, are labeled with names and QR codes to determine what can be replaced and provide instructions to do so. During my testing, most of the QR codes didn’t work, though I’m told they’ll be live before customers receive them. I was provided with key instructions from the company that should be working before it launches.
The instructions, which looked a lot like iFixit teardown instructions, were largely clear, especially if you have any experience upgrading a laptop or desktop. The storage is an M.2 PCIe SSD, and the RAM are standard SODIMM slots (The instructions also guide you into which side you should plug your RAM into if you went single-channel, though we don’t advise that if you can help it).
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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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As part of the review, Framework loaned us a 1TB WD Black SN850 SSD, a pair of 16GB DDR4 3200 RAM sticks (a total of 32GB) and an Intel Wi-F i 6E AX210 networking module.
For me, the biggest difficulty was that networking card. The instructions for that one were split into two steps and weren’t completely clear. For instance, a bracket and screw to remove aren’t mentioned until you’re supposed to put them back. Additionally, snapping on the antennas was a bit of an exercise in frustration, but hopefully you have more nimble fingers than I do, dear reader.
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The processor is already installed in the mainboard, and the battery and everything else is preinstalled. Next, you close it up and insert your four expansion slots to add your ports.
The last part of your build is to install your operating system of choice, so you’ll need an installer on a USB drive. I put on a copy of Windows 10 Home, though you could also opt for a distribution of Linux. This laptop will run Windows 11 when it is released.
There are some additional tricks for customization. For instance, you can very easily remove the bezels around the display to replace it with alternate color options. It attaches with magnets and requires no tools to remove. However, while Framework has hyped different colors like orange, white and red on its website, there is no indication as to when they will be available or what they will cost. In theory, there will be a Framework Marketplace for others to share expansion cards and add-ons, with claims that“community parts will come later in the year.”
There’s a small part of me that wishes the DIY Edition of the laptop, which Framework claims also has an easilyupgradable keyboard and display, came even more disassembled, so I could get more intimately familiar with it.
Framework Laptop DIY Edition Specifications
CPU
Intel Core i7-1165G7
Graphics
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory
32GB Crucial DDR4-3200 (2 x 16GB)
Storage
1TB WD Blacnk SN850 M.2 PCIe SSD
Display
13.5-inches, 3:2, 2256 x 1504
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210, Bluetooth 5.2
Ports
3.5 mm headphone jacks, four expansion slots of your choosing
Camera
1920×1080, 60 fps
Battery
55 Wh
Power Adapter
60W GaN
Operating System
Windows 10 Home
Dimensions(WxDxH)
11.68 x 9.01 x 0.62 inches/296.63 x 228.98 x 15.85 mm
Weight
2.87 pounds pounds/1.3 kg
Price (as configured)
$1,523 plus the cost of ports, $1,049 if you bring your own parts
Note: in the table above, the price as configured uses prices for RAM and storage as listed on Framework’s website at time of publication. It also includes a power adapter ($49, you can bring your own and skip it). Ports range from $9 for USB Type-C to $149 for an extra 1TB of storage.
Replacing the Mainboard on the Framework Laptop
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Framework’s biggest, most forward facing promise is that when it com es time to upgrade, you’ll be able to replace the mainboard. Unlike some previous attempts at upgradeable laptops that use desktop processors in a socket, it’s still soldered here. The board, after all, was the ultimate limitation on those platforms, like the Alienware Area 51-m, which needed a new system for a new generation of Intel chips. By replacing the board, you get a new, socketed mobile processor so you can keep it thin; You get a new cooler worthy of that processor. You can also replace the four USB Type-C ports that the Expansion cards plug into as newer, faster versions come out.
It means throwing out less of the system, and replacing what you can yourself.
Here’s the rub: those boards don’t exist yet. It’s a promise that maybe one day, you could upgrade to a new Intel generation (or maybe AMD! Framework hasn’t announced anything).
So to test this, we simply went in and removed the mainboard we had, and then put it back and reassembled the machine.
The whole thing takes 10 to 15 minutes, tops. Opening the laptop is extremely easy, and you don’t even need to remove any screws. The big issue here is really disconnecting everything: the touchpad, battery, speakers, audio flex cable, display and webcam from the board, as well as removing the Wi-Fi module, RAM and SSD you installed when you got the machine (or that came pre-installed if you bought it that way). Only then can you unscrew the five Torx T5 screws holding the board in and simply lift it out of the system.
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On the one hand, Framework has made this extremely easy. Many of the cables have extra loops or pulls to make them easy to remove and put back later. Its guide is clear, and every screw that needs to be loosened or removed uses the same T5 screwdriver that comes with the computer. If you’ve ever tinkered in a laptop of your own or built a desktop, you’ll be able to do this just fine.
But on the other hand, I could still see this being intimidating to newcomers. And while yes, enthusiasts are more likely to do this kind of thing, the Framework laptop is also being pitched as an environmentalist choice. I do think, with the instructions, most people can do this. But Framework will also need a collection of local shops willing to help with this process.
That is, once new boards come out.
Productivity Performance on the Framework Laptop
Like any barebones machine where you could bring your own parts, the Framework Laptop has to be tested with a caveat; The parts here are the ones Framework supplied, and if you use a different SSD or RAM, you may get different results. The CPU should be similar unless you get a different one, but that’s the case with testing any desktop.
As configured with an Intel Core i7-1165G7, 32GB of RAM from Crucial and a 1TB WD Black SN850, the Framework was a handy performer, without issues running multiple browser tabs (32GB of RAM will do that for you), fast transfer speeds and a smooth overall Windows 10 experience.
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On Geekbench 5, a synthetic, overall performance test, the Framework Laptop earned a single-core score of 1,597 and a multi-core score of 4,695. It had the highest single-core score of the bunch, but it was edged out by all of its competitors on multi-core workloads. The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga was very close, while the Dell XPS 13 outperformed.
On our file transfer test, the Framework Laptop copied about 25GB of files at a rate of 1,789.85 MBps. That’s significantly faster than any of its competitors, but it’s also using an SSD that one typically finds in expensive gaming desktops, rather than most ultraportables. This is, however, one of the two SSD options Framework offers in its configurator (The other is the WD Black SN750).
The capable equipment, 32GB of RAM and that faster drive, may have also helped on our Handbrake test, which transcodes a 4K video to 1080p. It did so in 12 minutes and 49 seconds, handily beating the rest of the field. The system’s fan is quite loud during this test, but it did get results. The next closest competitor was the HP Spectre x360 15 at 18:05, though perhaps with these kinds of parts it would come closer.
For graphics, we ran 3DMark Night Raid, which is a benchmark for laptops with integrated GPUs. Again, the Framework Laptop performed exceedingly well here at 15,992. The ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga, the next best, hit 14,014.
On productivity notebooks, we also use Cinebench R23for 20 runs to check performance over time. The Framework Laptop started with a score of 5,446.43 and eventually settled in the high 5,200’s by run five. The processor ran at an average clock speed of 3,289.69 with an average temperature of 83.8 degrees Celsius (182.84 degrees Fahrenheit). An output report from HWinfo suggests that each of the processors’cores intermittently throttled throughout the test.
Display on the Framework Laptop
The Framework Laptop uses a 13.5-inch, 3:2 screen with a resolution of 2256 x 1504. This is the same size and resolution of Microsoft’s 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 4.
Unlike the Surface, however, Framework isn’t using a touchscreen. The company told me that”the ergonomics are… not ideal for a touch screen”in a clamshell laptop, but could consider it in the future if it wouldn’t interfere with repairability. I’m told the mainboard can support a touch screen in the future if the company wishes to add one.
Our review unit’s panel was bright and vivid, without any issues like defective pixels or backlight bleed. It was, however, surprisingly reflective for a non-touch display. I could often see myself in the screen, though surprisingly it didn’t get much worse from other viewing angles.
One video I checked out during my time with the notebook was the trailer for Eternals. A blue temple and lush green forests looked good, even if they didn’t pop tremendously.
Keyboard and Touchpad on the Framework Laptop
Framework’s keyboard offers 1.5 millimeters of keyboard. That’s a metric I used to deem as ideal a few years ago. But most laptop manufacturers, in slimming down their notebooks, have taken every millimeter they can, including from keyboard travel.
For better or worse, I’ve gotten used to the hard strike when bottoming out on a laptop keyboard. If you’re like that, this keyboard may feel slightly mushy. Still, I hit 109 words per minute on it with my usual accuracy.
I wish that Frameworkhad gone with an inverted T-pattern for the arrow keys, rather than half-side up and down keys. Additionally, the F12 function key opens Groove music, by default, as that’s the default media player out of the box.
The touchpad is nice and wide, but it does feel a bit cheap, particularly when you click it down; There’s a bit of flex in the chassis if you click too hard. Windows precision drivers are pretty standard at this point, and gestures worked without fail.
Audio on the Framework Laptop
The speakers on the Framework Laptop are quite serviceable. Like most ultraportables, there’s not much in the way of bass, but when I listened to The Killers and Bruce Springsteen’s”Dustland,”the vocals were clear, and the instrumentals, especially strings, were prominent.
Some ultraportables can get a bit louder than this one, but it filled enough of my apartment with sound that I wasn’t particularly worried about it.
Heat on the Framework Laptop
We took skin temperature measurements while running our Cinebench R23 heat test to see how hot the Framework Laptop may get under heavy load.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The center of the keyboard, betwee n the G and H keys, measured 46.2 degrees Celsius (115.16 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s notable that all of the main components are literally right below the keyboard, as shown above. The touchpad measured 35.1 degrees Celsius (95.18 degrees Fahrenheit). These numbers are, in my experience, a bit higher than other ultraportables.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
On the bottom, the hottest point measured 53.4 degrees Celsius, right on the vent.
Webcam on the Framework Laptop
Framework touts a 1080p webcam that works at 60 frames per second. Major laptop companies, take notes.
This webcam is noticeably sharper than the usual 720p options on most laptops from major vendors. In still photos and videos, I could make out every hair on my head and in my beard, as well as the bags under my eyes (Note to self: sleep more).
The colors, however, were a bit off, not so much that I wouldn’t use the camera, but it added a bit of redness to my face, and the green shirt I was wearing appeared a bit more vibrant to the lens than it did to my eye.
To the right of the camera, there’s a kill switch that cuts power to it for privacy. This is an alternative to a physical cover To the left, there’s a separate switch to mute the microphone at the hardware level.
Software and Warranty on the Framework Laptop
At least on the DIY Edition, since you bring your own operating system, there’s no bloatware other than what comes with a standard Windows install. Framework says that’s the case for the standard, pre-built Framework Laptop, too.
So you may want to uninstall TikTok or Roblox or Hidden City: Hidden Object Adventure if you don’t want them, but that’s a Windows problem.
Framework sells its laptops with a one-year warranty.
Can I Trust This?
Right now, the Framework Laptop is up for pre-order, with the notebook scheduled to ship in”batches”throughout the rest of the year. This is in response to the ongoing component shortage, and Framework claims that there’s just one chip it can’t get a steady supply of.
Framework has a good idea here, and seemingly noble intentions. As the right to repair movement grows, the Framework Laptop is one that’s designed to be upgraded with you, match your needs and reduce e-waste.
But Framework is also a new company, and this is its first product. It will take time to see how successfully it rolls out its laptop, how well its customer service holds up and, perhaps most importantly, if it does manage to issue platform updates, open a marketplace and provide all of the upgrades that make this laptop fulfill its promises. Those aren’t there yet, and we don’t have all the details.
What I can tell you is that the product does exist. I’ve tried it. This article exists based on actual, hands-on experience.
But like with any pre-order from an unproven company, you’ll have to do your research and assess how comfortable you are spending your money.
Framework Laptop Configurations
You can get the Framework Laptop as a complete machine starting at $999, or the DIY Edition we tested, which starts at $749. It’s sold on Framework’s website: https://frame.work.
Among the completed laptops are the $999 base model (Core i5-1135G7, 8GB RAM, 256GB, Windows 10 Home, Wi-Fi 6), a $1,399 performance option (Core i7-1165G7, 16GB memory, 512GB storage, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 10 Home) and a $1,999 professional version (Core i7-1185G7, 32GB memory, 1TB storage, Wi-Fi 6 with vPro, Windows 10 Pro).
The SSDs in the Framework Laptop are variations of the Western Digital SN730, which Framework says is a version of the WD SN750 for laptop manufacturers.
All of those prices, however, assume four USB-C expansion cards by default. Once you change them, costs may change. These all include a charger and a screwdriver.
The DIY Edition is slightly more complicated. You can choose from a chassis with the Core i5-1135G7 and $749, Core i7-1165G7 at $1,049 or Core i7-1185G7 for $1,449.00.
You don’t need any parts from there, but Framework is happy to sell them to you. It offers two different Wi-Fi 6E chips, up to 64GB of RAM in various single or dual-channel configurations, a number of WD Black SSDs up to 4TB and downloads for Windows 10. A quick perusal of the prices suggests Framework charges slightly more than you’d pay separately, but nothing offensive. Windows 10 codes are downloads and cost the same as getting it from Microsoft.
Our laptop was configured with an Intel Core i7-1165G7, 32GB of RAM (2 x 16GB), a 1TB WD Black SN850 SSD and a USB-C power adapter. I installed Windows 10 separately. If you were to put it together that way, it would cost $1,523 — and that’s before you choose which expansion cards you want.
The fact that the DIY Edition doesn’t come with a charger is a mixed bag. On the one hand, that’s catered to enthusiasts more likely to already have a USB-C charger than the average person, and you could get one elsewhere cheaper than $49 elsewhere. But for those who don’t have one lying around, it feels like a bit of a tax, especially if you’ve otherwise configured it with parts that bring the total to more than $1,000.
Bottom Line
Framework isn’t just selling a laptop — it’s selling a promise. The laptop half is quite solid. It offers a tall, bright 3:2 display, decent build quality and a keyboard with 1.5 mm of travel. The swap out ports, while effectively just custom dongles made to fit this laptop, do work as promised.
And yes, the Framework Laptop is definitively easier to upgrade than some other notebooks. Unlike other thin laptops that have started soldering RAM or making it so you can’t remove the battery, this laptop is extremely easy to open and even includes the tool to do so.
In those areas, I do think that those who have already placed pre-orders will be satisfied. It’s not perfect, however, with a reflective display, a cheap-feeling touchpad and some high external temperatures when under heavy workloads.
But sticking the landing on this promise requires more than a good laptop. It requires fulfilling all of the orders placed — which Framework may very well do! But it’s also launching during a component shortage, and this is a first time product. The laptop also relies extremely heavily on the eventual launch of new mainboards with faster processors in the future. If that doesn’t come, the Framework Laptop will be another laptop you eventually replace.
I hope Framework pulls it off, because the right to repair is important, and we can be preventing tons of e-waste from ending up in landfills or the ocean. And if a small company can do it, maybe they’ll convince larger manufacturers to compete. But tons of well-meaning laptop companies with good ideas have also struggled. We’ll see soon enough, as the company starts shipping its laptops in earnest throughout the summer.
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