Framework build quality compared to MacBook?

[mattoruu]

Hello. I was wondering if anyone has any first-hand experience with the Framework laptop. If so, what are your thoughts of it compared to the MacBook (Air or Pro) in terms of build quality?

I have years of expeience with MacBooks. But I don't live in a country that Framework ships to, so I've never actually seen a Framework laptop in-person.

I looked to YouTube for some reviews, of course. However, those reviews weren't very helpful.

I saw one YouTube reviewer grab the Framework laptop screen with both hands and wobbled it back and forth. And then that reviewer complained for a minute about how the screen wobbled back and forth. But... of course it wobbled back and forth... you grabbed with both hands and shook the bits out of it!!! lol

I was hoping that MacRumors Forums members might be able to provide me with some better comparison examples. How is the screen wobble actually compared to a MacBook (without intentionally trying to rip the screen off the hinges, lol)? And how is the keyboad/trackpad/etc. compared to a MacBook?

I would like to add a Windows computer to my setup for work-related purposes. And I love the idea of what Framework (the company) is doing. If I'm going to get a Windows PC, I really want to grab a Framework laptop (if the build quality is comparable to a MacBook).

Thank you in advance to anyone who responds. 😁

 

[idreaus]

Unfortunately, it is nowhere near the same quality standard, but it is still considered to be on the quality spectrum side of things.

Frankly, coming from Alienware (X-series), Razer and framework -- None of them provided the same satisfaction and material quality expectation to a macbook.

They had their merits, but as you continue to use them, the cost-cutting measures these companies take to remain competitive become apparent. In contrast, Apple maintains consistency, which many manufacturers fail to achieve because they do not invest in refining the same chassis design over years as Apple does.

just my 2 cents.

 

[dmccloud]

While the modularity of the Framework laptop is a plus in terms of upgradability and repair, it leads to a device that can feel like it's made of Lego blocks at times. Looking at their website, their pricing is a bit off, IMO. A 16" Framework laptop with a Ryzen™ 7 7840HS cost $1399, and that's without RAM, storage, power adapter, ports (USB/USB-C, HDMI, etc.) or OS. If I configure the machine roughly equivalent to the base 16" M3 MacBook Pro I wind up with a machine with 16GB RAM, a 500GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, a 180W power adapter, and six expansion cards for the six expansion ports (3 USB-C, 1 HDMI, 1 Audio, 1 SD Card), the price for that laptop jumps to $1856. Granted that's over $600 less than the MBP I am comparing it to, but when you factor in some of the quirks of the Framework (certain expansion cards need to go into specific expansion ports based on their intended use), I'm not convinced that the Framework laptop's pluses outweigh it's quirks and oddities.

Two general pieces of advice related to the Framework laptops. First, if you do decide to configure a Framework laptop, always go with the dual RAM option for each storage capacity (i.e, 2 8GB sticks instead of 1 16GB stick). Second, the 13" version only has four expansion ports instead of the 6 available on the 16" model. This means you would not be able to duplicate the port availability of the 14" Pro.

 

[mattoruu]

Unfortunately, it is nowhere near the same quality standard, but it is still considered to be on the quality spectrum side of things.

Frankly, coming from Alienware (X-series), Razer and framework -- None of them provided the same satisfaction and material quality expectation to a macbook.

They had their merits, but as you continue to use them, the cost-cutting measures these companies take to remain competitive become apparent. In contrast, Apple maintains consistency, which many manufacturers fail to achieve because they do not invest in refining the same chassis design over years as Apple does.

just my 2 cents.

Seems like you own (or have owned) a Framework. If so, could I ask specifically your opinion about the screen lid (not the actual screen, but the metal part), the keyboard and the trackpad compared to a MacBook?

(I’m asking specifically about the 13”
Framework.)

And thank you to whoever moved my thread to this section of the forums. This is a much more appropriate place for my question.

 

[mattoruu]

While the modularity of the Framework laptop is a plus in terms of upgradability and repair, it leads to a device that can feel like it's made of Lego blocks at times. Looking at their website, their pricing is a bit off, IMO. A 16" Framework laptop with a Ryzen™ 7 7840HS cost $1399, and that's without RAM, storage, power adapter, ports (USB/USB-C, HDMI, etc.) or OS. If I configure the machine roughly equivalent to the base 16" M3 MacBook Pro I wind up with a machine with 16GB RAM, a 500GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, a 180W power adapter, and six expansion cards for the six expansion ports (3 USB-C, 1 HDMI, 1 Audio, 1 SD Card), the price for that laptop jumps to $1856. Granted that's over $600 less than the MBP I am comparing it to, but when you factor in some of the quirks of the Framework (certain expansion cards need to go into specific expansion ports based on their intended use), I'm not convinced that the Framework laptop's pluses outweigh it's quirks and oddities.

Two general pieces of advice related to the Framework laptops. First, if you do decide to configure a Framework laptop, always go with the dual RAM option for each storage capacity (i.e, 2 8GB sticks instead of 1 16GB stick). Second, the 13" version only has four expansion ports instead of the 6 available on the 16" model. This means you would not be able to duplicate the port availability of the 14" Pro.

Thank you, but that’s not really what I need a Framework for. I’m not looking for the most powerful computer money can buy. I just need something Windows for work.

I perfectly happy to DIY-it with an older (and cheaper) mainboard purchased from the “Outlet” section of their website to keep the price low. It actually sounds kind of fun to play with the tech version of LEGO, lol.

Specifically I’m asking about the build quality of the metal frame and the keyboard and trackpad (compared to the MacBook’s metal frame, keyboard and trackpad).

 

[crazy dave]

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Radeon-RX-7700S-performance-debut-Framework-Laptop-16-review.790807.0.html

I don't have one, but according to this review, yes, the lid is a weak point compared to standard 16" laptops, but, except for the lid, they said it was a lot more sturdy than the smaller 13.5" Framework which they describe as comparatively fragile.

Unfortunately, one attribute has not improved and that is the lid. Much like on the Laptop 13.5, the lid on the Laptop 16 is more susceptible to twisting and warping when compared to other 16-inch alternatives like the HP Spectre x360 16 or Blade 16. The hinges may be decent, but the lid feels like the weakest aspect of the chassis yet again.

The review goes into serious depth on lots of different aspects. Overall they give it a pretty good score.

 

[mattoruu]

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Radeon-RX-7700S-performance-debut-Framework-Laptop-16-review.790807.0.html

I don't have one, but according to this review, yes, the lid is a weak point compared to standard 16" laptops, but, except for the lid, they said it was a lot more sturdy than the smaller 13.5" Framework which they describe as comparatively fragile.



The review goes into serious depth on lots of different aspects. Overall they give it a pretty good score.

Thank you. This is exactly the kind of information I was looking for.

Maybe I’ll wait for a revised Framework 13. Although since everything is user repairable and replaceable, maybe a weak-ish lid isn’t as much of a concern as it would be with a different laptop. Something for me to consider. But thank you again. 😁

 

[cjsuk]

One of my colleagues has a 13.5" framework. The thing rattles if you shake it. Also the fit and finish is poor compared to the macbook. It's much worse than say my Dell 7680. The touchpad is a little buggy and the thing blue screens at least once a week. Screen viewing angles are terrible (it's an IPS panel). Keyboard is pretty good though!

Not impressed with it. I'd go for one of the new Intel P14 Thinkpads if I had to buy another PC laptop.

I am spoiled with a 14" M1 Pro MBP though. Nothing has got anywhere near that yet.

 

[bzgnyc2]

One of my colleagues has a 13.5" framework. The thing rattles if you shake it. Also the fit and finish is poor compared to the macbook. It's much worse than say my Dell 7680. The touchpad is a little buggy and the thing blue screens at least once a week. Screen viewing angles are terrible (it's an IPS panel). Keyboard is pretty good though!

A good keyboard is a start! Odd if the viewing angles are terrible and it is an IPS panel. IPS panels are supposed to have better viewing angles than VA all else being equal (based on what I've heard elsewhere and repeated by this site: https://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/picture-quality/viewing-angle).

I like the theory of the Framework laptop a lot, but hardware faults -- especially driving blue screens -- would be a dealbreaker for me. Is it certain these are not rooted in Windows/configuration issues?

Not impressed with it. I'd go for one of the new Intel P14 Thinkpads if I had to buy another PC laptop.

I've heard good things about Thinkpads -- including that some are still made in the US -- but that one looks a little thick. Plus the RAM is weird -- some have both chips soldered and some have one soldered and one slot. The latter can have a different size chip than the soldered chip (which is always 16GB) but then I'm guessing if you do that you lose dual channel memory? Which if so reduces the GPU performance (explicitly stated to downgrade from Xe to UHD graphics). I am sure Leveno has reasonably smart engineers so this was decided the best trade-off against something but I don't understand that design...

I am spoiled with a 14" M1 Pro MBP though. Nothing has got anywhere near that yet.

I am realizing I have been as well going back to the Intel laptops. I didn't realize how much better Intel-based Macbooks were than almost all other laptops for quality and now seeing the trade-off if I want to retain native compatability with Intel. Looks like I'll be sticking with my now common solution for a little longer: not buying anything.

 

[cjsuk]

If you need Intel compatibility, and when I hear this it's usually because of Docker (possibly a poor assumption on my part), the best option is probably buying a MacBook Air and using it as a remote terminal to a VPS or fat desktop machine. I do the latter with my M1 MBP mostly. My daughter is a biochemist and does this as well to run her biochem software.

The problem you'll find is that once you've had an ARM MacBook then *anything* Intel or AMD feels like a primitive caveman tool. The general experience is shockingly different in a good way.