The time for a change had come
I came across Framework Laptop a long time ago and was very intrigued, but it was missing that special something. When it came time to decide on a new laptop, everything fell into place. I already had my DELL configuration ready, but then I saw the new 13 Pro.
Why did I finally decide on Framework?
The introduction of a fingerprint reader, the use of fast, removable LPCAMM2 memory, and that distinctive, retro style that recalls the days when the hardware was "anything" โ that's what finally won me over. It was the answer to my frustrations from the past. I remember laptops where burnt traces on the motherboard would first manifest themselves in failing USB ports, and then end up completely dying after a few minutes of use. Having trouble finding a replacement motherboard or battery after a few years, regardless of the brand.
I believe that if something gets outdated or worn out, I'll simply replace it. A single component.
The Big "Small Screen" Test: Is 13.5" Enough?
Here's my biggest doubt. Going from a comfortable 15.6" to 13.5" is a risky move.
Will the 3:2 aspect ratio actually compensate for the smaller diagonal? Theoretically, yes โ more lines of code vertically is every back-end developer's dream. However, until the laptop arrives on my desk and I spend my first 10 hours at a coffee shop with it, I'm treating it as an experiment. The arguments about pixel density and brightness convinced me, but the final verdict will be my eyestrain after a shift with Ansible and LLMs.
Modularity: A Return to the Era of "Fat Books" and a Challenge for the Manufacturer
My first Dell from 2006 was as thick as an encyclopedia, but in terms of modularity, it was a masterpiece. It had a bay with an HDD that slid out from the side of the case and two palm rest trays for a 1.44" floppy drive, CD or an extra battery. It was the pinnacle of engineering freedom.
The Framework 13 Pro almost realizes this dream with Expansion Cards. Speaking of professional dreams:
Challenge for @frameworkcomputer
If you can fit 1TB on an expansion card, I challenge you: Make a full-fledged card with an NVMe slot that slid out from the side of the case. I want to be able to physically eject my main drive with data in one hand, just like I did at Dell twenty years ago. That would be a real revolution.
โ
Pros
- Modularity
- Repairability
- Biometric Reader
- LPCAMM2 LPDDR5X 96GB
- PCIe Gen 5.0 NVMe
- Variable Refresh Rate 30-120Hz
- 700 NIT Screen Brightness
- Matte Screen
- 3K Screen Resolution
- 3:2 Aspect Ratio
- Open Source Ecosystem
- Privacy Switches
โ Cons
โ Unknown
In summary: For me, the Framework 13 Pro is an investment in peace of mind, shared values, and an open community. No more fighting a closed architecture. Will the 13.5-inch be a disappointment? We'll find out soon. For now, I'm excited about the thought of returning to equipment that I can fully control.
https://frame.work/laptop13pro
#OpenSource #OpenCommunity #FrameworkLaptop13Pro
UN Mappers
Alex Chen
MaSi
Open Education Global
