Frame.work laptop after action review
Tags: laptop
Published: 2022-11-09 18:57:32

Back in January of this year, I ordered a [framework laptop](https://frame.work/). I use this for programming and more general tasks. This is not a review of the laptop itself; instead, I talk about some hardware problems I ran into.

### Configuration
I ordered a DIY laptop, meaning I had to assemble the laptop from parts. This was very easy, except for the wifi antenna which was incredibly fiddly. Far easier than the last desktop system I built.

My specs are as follows:
* Intel Core i7-1165G
* Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 No vPro
* 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200
* 2x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI
* Framework power adapter
* 2 TB SSD, ordered locally

### RAM
One of the two RAM sticks was defective as per [memtest86](https://www.memtest86.com/). Framework refused to provide warranty, directing me to the memory manufacturer. They did replace the RAM stick under warranty but took many weeks to ship out the replacement and I had to pay substantial customs fees to have it shipped to Canada. In hindsight, I'd have been much better off ordering the RAM from a local supplier.

Thankfully, I was able to run the laptop with only a single stick of RAM while waiting for the replacement. Once that arrived, the repair itself was very easy, just a few minutes of work.

### Screen
After a couple of months, the LCD screen stopped working. Text would end up ghosted and there were other graphical problems, too.

Framework, after reviewing photos and video, shipped out a replacement display kit under warranty. The repair was a little fiddly but far easier than I expected, considering the screen is such a significant part of the laptop.

Still, this put my laptop out of action for a few days, waiting on the replacement display kit.

### Battery
There was a bug in the laptop BIOS related to charging. This was [fixed in BIOS 3.10](https://knowledgebase.frame.work/en_us/framework-laptop-bios-releases-S1dMQt6F) but that came too late for me. My laptop stopped booting in the summer.

Thankfully, [framework published a guide](https://knowledgebase.frame.work/my-laptop-is-not-powering-on-ryQLXvQkt) for exactly this situation. I actually had to [fully reset the mainboard state](https://guides.frame.work/Guide/Fully+Resetting+the+Mainboard+State/113), meaning opening up the laptop and removing the coin battery.

Although annoying, I was able to entirely self-serve this one, not even needing to contact framework to discuss my problem. I took the opportunity to upgrade to the latest BIOS version so shouldn't run into this again.

### Expansion cards
I really like the swappable expansion cards. I can run a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports along with a hookup for an external monitor.

In hindsight, I wish I had ordered 3x USB-C and 3x USB-A. As the laptop charges via a USB-C port, I sometimes wish I had one more.

So I ordered an extra USB-A and USB-C expansion card. Also, the newly-released ethernet port as I figure that may come in useful from time to time. Really handy to change my ports so many months after buying the laptop.

### OS
I dual-boot Windows 10 and Linux Mint. I also boot other Linux distributions off of USB sticks, including [Kali Linux](https://www.kali.org/) and [DragonOS](https://cemaxecuter.com/). I wanted a laptop that would properly support Linux running natively, instead of in a VM. I do most of my programming in Linux and need it to just work. I'd have been okay running Kali or DragonOS in a VM but I'm happy they work natively, too. Still, this was a deciding factor in ordering more USB expansion cards.

### Concluding thoughts
I'm not thrilled with the hardware failures. The RAM was surprisingly hard to get replaced and in hindsight, I wish I had ordered that separately from the laptop.

Still, only one of the three issues (the display issue) took the laptop offline for any significant amount of time, and then only for a few days. The laptop itself is an absolute joy to physically work on. Plenty of other manufacturers would have dealt with the issues by demanding I ship the laptop back to them.

The framework laptop isn't the right choice for everyone. But if you've ever assembled a desktop computer from components, you'll find yourself right at home with this laptop.