261
Framework proved repairable laptops can work, but almost nobody is willing to buy one
(www.xda-developers.com)
this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2026
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I think they're just too expensive. It might be worth it in the long run, but a lot of people can't justify the up front cost.
This is it average consumer laptop shops filtering by price and then value for that price if they’re tech savvy at all lol
Framework targeted a niche out the gate if they expected mass adoption in their business plan they misunderstood the market they were competing in
If we remove the capitalistic pov it’s a different game but we live in the delulu we do
From a comparison I saw, you can buy two complete laptops with the same specs as one framework. Its hard to justify an upgradable laptop at that point.
Thanks to “look up” (value engineering) the I can buy the cheap one twice is more required than ever before lol! I can’t speak to frameworks build quality
I’m also a used to dunk on apple products guy then I bought a MacBook Pro and honestly insert windows laptop here experience is just worse in every way “out of the box” 😂
Stupid sleep state settings and updates on battery - looking at you Samsung Galaxy crap trying to catch itself on fire in my backpack with a near dead battery every time I tried to use it lolol
Nailed it. The cost doesn't really make sense when you can have two functional laptops when you upgrade, so the prior one becomes a backup, a home lab server, etc. I know they have ways of making the prior pieces functional, but again at increased cost.
Never mind the fact I just plain almost never need to repair anything on my laptop because I take care not to damage it in the first place. The last laptop I had to repair anything on was one I bought in 2005, and it wasn't even anything essential - just a pretty piece of the exterior that became unglued.
The mainboards work stand-alone. There are free STLs to print a case for it or you can buy a case from them.
Basically replacing the mainboard gives you another small PC to use as a desktop/living room/server device. You obviously still need RAM and storage though.
I own a framework 13 and I replaced the mainboard once (due to an issue, they replaced it) and it took less than 10 minutes to swap. It's expensive for what it is, but in support of their vision I was willing to pay premium for it.
They also argue that they need these high prices due to low volumes with the goal of bringing prices down to be more competitive eventually.
That's the Vimes Boots economic theory right there
I was able to get a used one cheap for under 600€, used it for a while and now have upgraded the hinges, speakers, battery, keyboard and motherboard along with more RAM and a larger SSD. It’s the perfect PC builder’s laptop.