Guide Is it a good idea to buy a Framework 13?

F

frypiece

Apprentice
Beginner
As the title says, I'm wondering if buying a Framework 13 laptop is a good decision, as a user in India. I'm looking for a good Linux laptop. I'm currently using a 2018 Intel 13" MacBook Pro as my secondary machine, but it's on its last legs. I've mostly been a PC user.

I'm interested in the Framework because it has excellent Linux support. A family friend is visiting from the US soon and has offered to bring back a laptop for me (my current MacBook also came from the US). I'm considering buying a pre-built Framework 13.
 
  • Like
Reactions: evilsmirker and agentmilo
frypiece said:
As the title says, I'm wondering if buying a Framework 13 laptop is a good decision, as a user in India. I'm looking for a good Linux laptop. I'm currently using a 2018 Intel 13" MacBook Pro as my secondary machine, but it's on its last legs. I've mostly been a PC user.

I'm interested in the Framework because it has excellent Linux support. A family friend is visiting from the US soon and has offered to bring back a laptop for me (my current MacBook also came from the US). I'm considering buying a pre-built Framework 13.
Click to expand...
I'm more interested to understand how is a 2018 mac on its last legs ? If your needs change this frequently then I think Framework is perfect for you and considering you've got close friends and family travelling from US frequently enough for you to plan your upgrades, this could be the workhorse you're looking for in the long run.
 
avnishm said:
I'm more interested to understand how is a 2018 mac on its last legs
Click to expand...
It overheats constantly even for simpler tasks - this was a known issue even when it was new. Intel chips back then used too much power without giving great performance, and the thin Mac design couldn't cool them properly. That's a big reason why Apple eventually created their own M-series chips.

The battery now only lasts 3-5 hours

As a software developer, I need more performance. Code compilation takes too long on this machine, and 8GB RAM isn't enough for me anymore.

I wouldn't say my needs change often - this laptop has lasted me 6-7 years, which is reasonable. Don't get me wrong, this Mac is still overall good, other than the CPU which contributes to both poor performance and battery life. If only this also had the ability to swap motherboard to M-series like Framework, I would have used it for another 2-4 years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: avnishm
frypiece said:
It overheats constantly even for simpler tasks - this was a known issue even when it was new. Intel chips back then used too much power without giving great performance, and the thin Mac design couldn't cool them properly. That's a big reason why Apple eventually created their own M-series chips.

The battery now only lasts 3-5 hours

As a software developer, I need more performance. Code compilation takes too long on this machine, and 8GB RAM isn't enough for me anymore.

I wouldn't say my needs change often - this laptop has lasted me 6-7 years, which is reasonable. Don't get me wrong, this Mac is still overall good, other than the CPU which contributes to both poor performance and battery life. If only this also had the ability to swap motherboard to M-series like Framework, I would have used it for another 2-4 years.
Click to expand...
Sorry, didn't realise it was an intel mac.
 
Top Bottom