4 ms·

I've been using a Framework (11 gen, DIY edition) for the last year. I love the company, the idea, the repairability, almost all of it. But I've had 4 major iss

I've been using a Framework (11 gen, DIY edition) for the last year. I love the company, the idea, the repairability, almost all of it. But I've had 4 major issues: - Installing the WiFi card was crazy difficult. The antenna connectors are tiny, fragile, and require significant pressure to snap on. I had to use a pair of pliers to get it on and I was very concerned about breaking or bending something - The screen hinge is weak and not adjustable. It'll stay in position when it's on a table, but picking the laptop up and walking anywhere with it inevitably ends up with the screen open to 180 degrees. - The space bar is inconsistent. Especially with my right hand. I've had to develop a typing habit where I type spaces with my left hand or hard with my right hand to get it to register. Otherwisemywritingendsuplookinglikethis. - The touchpad isn't great. My work machines have been MacBooks, so maybe I'm spoiled. But I disable touch to click. And clicking to click is also inconsistent. I ended up having to click extra hard. These are annoyances really, and I don't use it often enough for these to matter. But if it was my daily driver I'd have done something about it by now.

nrp 4y ago
On the WiFi, we switched to pre-installing the card with antennas attached when we launched in Europe last year, and are continuing that for all configurations of 12th Gen. We agree it is too finicky. On the hinges, could you reach out to our support team? We had a set of out of spec hinges come from our supplier, and it is possible that is what you are seeing. The team can also help you out on any issues you're seeing on your keyboard or trackpad.
- shaftway 4y ago
  Yeah, I'll try to get to it. Like I said it hasn't been a huge issue. I did read up on the forums about the hinges, since someone had the same complaint as me. IIRC the response was along the lines of "Adjustable tension on the hinges? Huh. That's a good idea. Maybe one day we'll do it." > we switched to pre-installing the card with antennas attached That's really good to hear. I assumed I had to do it because I got the DIY edition and that I essentially got what I asked for.
wnolens 4y ago
> The touchpad isn't great. My work machines have been MacBooks, so maybe I'm spoiled. But I disable touch to click. And clicking to click is also inconsistent. I ended up having to click extra hard. pressing on a touch pad has always annoyed me. on my laptops i always remap capslock -> (ctrl|cmd), and (ctrl|cmd) -> mouse click.
pxc 4y ago
> Installing the WiFi card was crazy difficult. The antenna connectors are tiny, fragile, and require significant pressure to snap on. I had to use a pair of pliers to get it on and I was very concerned about breaking or bending something I don't have a Framework, but that's how installing mobile WiFi cards has always felt to me. IME those connectors are sturdier than you'd think, but I never use tweezers or apply pressure on the wire other than at the joint, from directly above, with a finger.
- Shared404 4y ago
  Seconding this. I've never worked with a mobile wifi adapter that wasn't miserable to try to put connect the antenna to.
chrisallenlane 4y ago
I've been running a DIY model for about a year as well. My only complaint was likewise that installing the wifi antenna was _very_ tricky. I briefly thought I had broken it before it finally came together for me. (It sounds like they've mitigated this issue by now, so that's great.) I also had a few of the Linux issues that others have mentioned, but upgrading to the newest Ubuntu solved them. Overall a fantastic machine, and probably my favorite laptop I've ever owned.
Georgelemental 4y ago
Framework have released an alternative hinge that takes more force to move: https://frame.work/products/display-hinge-kit?v=FRANFB0002 https://frame.work/products/display-hinge-kit?v=FRANFB0002
rkagerer 4y ago
I'm looking forward to the product maturing a little. If they can fix annoyances like this, improve port density and provide a better Ethernet port (that doesn't stick out) I'll start buying 'em.

nrp 4y ago

On the WiFi, we switched to pre-installing the card with antennas attached when we launched in Europe last year, and are continuing that for all configurations of 12th Gen. We agree it is too finicky. On the hinges, could you reach out to our support team? We had a set of out of spec hinges come from our supplier, and it is possible that is what you are seeing. The team can also help you out on any issues you're seeing on your keyboard or trackpad.

shaftway 4y ago
Yeah, I'll try to get to it. Like I said it hasn't been a huge issue. I did read up on the forums about the hinges, since someone had the same complaint as me. IIRC the response was along the lines of "Adjustable tension on the hinges? Huh. That's a good idea. Maybe one day we'll do it." > we switched to pre-installing the card with antennas attached That's really good to hear. I assumed I had to do it because I got the DIY edition and that I essentially got what I asked for.

wnolens 4y ago

> The touchpad isn't great. My work machines have been MacBooks, so maybe I'm spoiled. But I disable touch to click. And clicking to click is also inconsistent. I ended up having to click extra hard. pressing on a touch pad has always annoyed me. on my laptops i always remap capslock -> (ctrl|cmd), and (ctrl|cmd) -> mouse click.

pxc 4y ago

> Installing the WiFi card was crazy difficult. The antenna connectors are tiny, fragile, and require significant pressure to snap on. I had to use a pair of pliers to get it on and I was very concerned about breaking or bending something I don't have a Framework, but that's how installing mobile WiFi cards has always felt to me. IME those connectors are sturdier than you'd think, but I never use tweezers or apply pressure on the wire other than at the joint, from directly above, with a finger.

Shared404 4y ago
Seconding this. I've never worked with a mobile wifi adapter that wasn't miserable to try to put connect the antenna to.

chrisallenlane 4y ago

I've been running a DIY model for about a year as well. My only complaint was likewise that installing the wifi antenna was _very_ tricky. I briefly thought I had broken it before it finally came together for me. (It sounds like they've mitigated this issue by now, so that's great.) I also had a few of the Linux issues that others have mentioned, but upgrading to the newest Ubuntu solved them. Overall a fantastic machine, and probably my favorite laptop I've ever owned.

Georgelemental 4y ago

Framework have released an alternative hinge that takes more force to move: https://frame.work/products/display-hinge-kit?v=FRANFB0002 https://frame.work/products/display-hinge-kit?v=FRANFB0002

rkagerer 4y ago

I'm looking forward to the product maturing a little. If they can fix annoyances like this, improve port density and provide a better Ethernet port (that doesn't stick out) I'll start buying 'em.