This blog post is for the FrameWork 16 notebook PC 6 months later. There was a change from the initial configuration which Windows 11 was replaced with Zorin OS. For those that would need a refresher on the specs, they are as follows:
- AMD 7040 Series CPU
- 64GB of Memorty
- 4TB 2280 NVME
- 2TB 2240 NVME
- 1 TB SSD
- SD Card Reader
- 16″ Display
- 4×USB-C ports
- Zorin OS
The system with all of the components, and features installed was about $4,000. This is a high price, but I do feel that the Framework concept should be the wave of the future offering a completely modular design in notebook PCs. I could theoretically upgrade the motherboard of the system, although I wouldn’t be confident enough to do so. And while I am paying for modularity, and almost never use the system, I do not regret buying the system. If I didn’t have a MacOS PC that I use so much more often, I would have been OK with using the Frame Work PC.
The Good
The system is powerful, and literally loads in a couple of seconds after entering my credentials. This is likely due to having higher end components. There is no point in having an AMD 7040 if you have very slow 8GB of memory, and a mechanical hard drive. When you get quality components installed, then you get quality performance. I used Western Digital NVME drives for my OS, and personal files. I don’t know the manufacturer of the modules that installs into the computer, but they have never faltered and continue to work just as good as new. With the setup I done with the modules, I can use any of the USB-C ports to charge the system.
I was hoping to give Windows another try. This was the main reason why I bought the Frame Work PC in the first place. I had problems with Windows even before installation, but I will leave it at that since this is a review of the PC, and not the OS. Instead, I have Zorin OS, and that is a flavor of Linux. A good OS is also important when having a computer. Zorin works right out of the box without the need to install additional drivers to get things working.
I was able to configure everything from the CPU, to the memory, to the storage, and the ports/drives. I simply chose what components I wanted, and I had to install the memory, drives, and modules. With that in mind, I was able to create a legacy free platform. If I was to need to access a USB-A component, then I would have to use an adapter. This is because I chose to not have USB-A ports. Why, because USB-C is the way things should have been in the first place.
As mentioned, I have 3 drives on my notebook. That is unprecedented considering most notebook PCs only have 1 drive. I set up the 4TB drive for OS and programs. The 2TB is my documents, and personal files. I would normally use the 1TB module for downloads, and temporary files. This keeps my drives organized, and precise. The nice thing is I am able to do this, and most notebook PCs don’t have that capability. Since my PC also have an SD card reader, I can transfer files I don’t want to go on to the Internet between my Frame Work, and iMac using SD cards. Such confidential files will include passwords. I do have Dropbox on both systems, so less sensitive files can be synced using DropBox. Since I don’t do a lot of transferring, I can continue to use the free method.
While I don’t have the specs of my 16″ display, it is clear, and easy on the eyes. This could be in part due to the dark background that I chosen for my desktop, but it is still a feature nonetheless. I don’t have any other monitors, so I couldn’t test that feature.
The Bad
The biggest bad thing is the expense. As mentioned, this is a $4,000 PC, and that is pretty high even with the specs it has. While it is a top of the line machine, there is no dedicated graphics module, and the keyboard is not back lit which you would find that on other $4,000 PCs. Now, I understand why it’s not backlit. The keyboard can be replaced, or swapped out for another country format, but still – the price of the machine is pretty high.
I would have wished that there would have been a way to have a cellular model. While cellular notebooks are very rare, this could have been a leg up, and an option to lessen the blow of the high price tag it comes with. Considering that it is likely only those with $4,000 lying around – they are likely to work in an environment that would benefit from having cellular capabilities.
The Ugly
I would have loved an all black model. There was only one color choice, and that was aluminum color. The screen bezel is black by choice, I just wished I could have had the same for the body and modules. Currently, they offer USB-C modules in translucent black, but I would want a full black color rather than translucent. This has no effect on the PC’s performance and capabilities, but it would still have been nice to be black.
Conclusion
Frame Work is expensive, and you are going to pay for the flexibility and upgradeability. There is no doubt on that. However, if you like their concept, and idea plus have the money, I would suggest you consider buying into them. Think about, it – what Dell or HP notebook that you know of has 4 drives? I have 7TB + SD card worth of storage available to me, and that is a lot, even for a 16″ PC. Despite the flaws, it is a good PC, and while I wish I could use it more often, it is worth the price just to support my vote with the dollar (or 4,000 dollars). Keep in mind, a properly configured machine will mean that either you, or someone competent in putting PCs together will have to do a little bit of work putting everything together.