Anyone looking into getting the modular 16" Framework laptop
Discussion
I was very interested in framework. Looks like a nerds delight. I would have definitely built and upgraded my own over time, trying out this and that module for kicks. There is something a bit Nissan GTR about it, reading David Yu’s blogs, something endlessly to tinker with.
That is until I tried an Apple Silicon Mac. I don’t think I can go back to x86 Intel. Just finished a 9-5 stint in a quiet pub and library. Its still on 46% charge. Infact I never take the powerbrick anywhere because I know I’m going to run of juice before the laptop. I haven’t heard the fan in a year of use. Speakers are the best I ever heard, can happily watch youtube on it with the sound at realistic volumes and decent clarity. I can sit outside, the screen is bright enough. Ok, the last two, maybe top end Windows laptops can match, but Intel chips definitely can’t hold a candle to the low power consumption and cool running. Honestly not needing a power brick and playing hunt the socket when out and about is a game changer for a laptop!
That is until I tried an Apple Silicon Mac. I don’t think I can go back to x86 Intel. Just finished a 9-5 stint in a quiet pub and library. Its still on 46% charge. Infact I never take the powerbrick anywhere because I know I’m going to run of juice before the laptop. I haven’t heard the fan in a year of use. Speakers are the best I ever heard, can happily watch youtube on it with the sound at realistic volumes and decent clarity. I can sit outside, the screen is bright enough. Ok, the last two, maybe top end Windows laptops can match, but Intel chips definitely can’t hold a candle to the low power consumption and cool running. Honestly not needing a power brick and playing hunt the socket when out and about is a game changer for a laptop!
Edited by wyson on Friday 21st July 22:09
wyson said:
That is until I tried an Apple Silicon Mac. I don’t think I can go back to x86 Intel. Just finished a 9-5 stint in a quiet pub and library. It’s still on 46% charge. Infact I never take the powerbrick anywhere because I know I’m going to run of juice before the laptop. I haven’t heard the fan in a year of use. Speakers are the best I ever heard, can happily watch youtube on it with the sound at realistic volumes and decent clarity. I can sit outside, the screen is bright enough. Ok, the last two, maybe top end Windows laptops can match, but Intel chips definitely can’t hold a candle to the low power consumption and cool running. Honestly not needing a power brick and playing hunt the socket when out and about is a game changer for a laptop!
I’d second this - my M2 MBA did a full flight to Dubai, encoding and playing video and RPG gaming plus audio via BT, connected to wifi and messaging the whole time too … still had 30+% left on landing (it was about 92% when I boarded) … I think the push with apple silicone will make many reconsider what they expect from other brands!Edited by wyson on Friday 21st July 20:28
I have a Framework 13 AMD pre-ordered for my wife and was considering a Framework 16, but right now it isn't good enough to replace my current gaming machine, an ASUS ROG STRIX G15 AMD Advantage Edition (5900HX with RX6800M). If the GPU had been better (FW16 has a 7700S dedicated if you option it), I might have considered it, but right now it is more a side grade for £2000+ rather than an upgrade.
Relating to the what the above posters have experienced with the current M1/M2 chips from Apple, if Steam Proton existed in its current guise on Mac OS as it does in Linux, or the Asahi Linux project was slightly further along (although still very impressive right now), I would likely go for one of those.
I know Apple have announced their own 'compatibility' layer, the Apple Game Porting Toolkit, but as yet it is not as mature as Proton, so it isn't enough for me to jump ship.
For example, I currently play or have played the following, using Proton, on my machine, without issue - Forza Horizons 5, Warhammer Total War (I-III), World of Warships, Satisfactory, Star Trek Online, Valheim, Boltgun, Warhammer - Gladius, Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries, DOOM Eternal, Deep Rock Galactic and Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. Apart from games that utlitise certain anti-cheat software, which I avoid, most things Just Work.
Relating to the what the above posters have experienced with the current M1/M2 chips from Apple, if Steam Proton existed in its current guise on Mac OS as it does in Linux, or the Asahi Linux project was slightly further along (although still very impressive right now), I would likely go for one of those.
I know Apple have announced their own 'compatibility' layer, the Apple Game Porting Toolkit, but as yet it is not as mature as Proton, so it isn't enough for me to jump ship.
For example, I currently play or have played the following, using Proton, on my machine, without issue - Forza Horizons 5, Warhammer Total War (I-III), World of Warships, Satisfactory, Star Trek Online, Valheim, Boltgun, Warhammer - Gladius, Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries, DOOM Eternal, Deep Rock Galactic and Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition. Apart from games that utlitise certain anti-cheat software, which I avoid, most things Just Work.
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