I'm curious how many people would prefer a more durable/thinkpad-like framework laptop. I get they're trying to go for the more popular/mainstream light/thin/pretty design but man I still like using my T530 over my FW13. I've seen posts like "set my bag down a little too fast and bent/had to replace my hinge" and whatever. i still think the Framework is the best laptop currently being made and would still recommend it and do recommend it to my friends. Obviously some people like the weight and see it as worth the trade-off. but dang i wish there were a beefier one, I dont think we're going to see "framework on the international space station" posts at this rate.
paper_mint 4 points 2 months ago
I hadn't thought of that, I mean it's not like I have a 3D printer or know how to do that but it would be awesome if people started doing third party shells. Could at least make the design and have one printed somewhere I guess edit: oh, the keyboard might be tough though. might be weird to have plastic shell with aluminum keypad
LastYearsIrritant 4 points 2 months ago
https://www.printables.com/...
A while back they partnered with Prusa on a 3d printing contest. There are some neat cases in there, including a steam deck style one, but no direct laptop replacement.
It wouldn't be THAT hard, it just seems like nobody thought it would be useful, you wouldn't get any additional functionality out of a bigger case, you're still locked into the same connectors, battery, and modules.
gravitas_deficiency 3 points 2 months ago
I’m actually surprised custom cases aren’t already a thing.
avidamoeba 3 points 2 months ago
Manufacturing a laptop case is not cheap despite the simple appearance, especially if limited run. Alt case for Framework would likely be non-factory machinig affair. And that shit is very expensive. Probably cheaper if done in PRC but still. I think that's why noone has done it.
In addition to the physical design which would take number of prototypes to fit the rest of it correctly, you'd need to redesign EMI shielding and RF if metal case so radios function well.
unknown1234_5 5 points 2 months ago
I'd like a beefier fw16 chassis option to exist, but I would probably get the current one. also if they want to make it stronger like that it'll probably need to be less modular too, at least so far as the keyboard and touchpad area goes. would be nice to offer as an enterprise-focused thing though, like for companies to use as company laptops or in industrial areas.
hereiamagain 2 points 2 months ago
Reduced modularity to appease corporate purchasers doesn't really sit well with me. Kind of the opposite of their ethos.
Like a dark path that leads to profits over sustainability, where framework takes their momentum and pivots into just another laptop manufacturer.
No thanks. I love my fw13 just the way it is.
unknown1234_5 2 points 2 months ago
I meant reduced modularity for the sake of increased durability, because the keyboard and touchpad modules on the fw 16 are more liable to come loose and let dust in. the 13 would just need a new chassis, but I was talking about the 16.
hereiamagain 1 point 2 months ago
Oh, didn't they make a new fw16 top plate that's all one piece? Or is that not released yet?
unknown1234_5 1 point 2 months ago
theres a one piece keyboard and a one piece touchpad, but they still come off pretty easily which you wouldn't want in a beefier version.
vhstape 3 points 2 months ago
If you want the Framework experience but a more rugged chassis, you might actually want to look into their 12-inch model. It's a 2-in-1 made with rubber and plastic. The specs aren't very impressive, but I mostly use mine for web and email and rely on an SSH connection to one of my desktops if I need some more compute for something.
ZeroTrustWraith 1 point 2 months ago
@vhstape @paper_mint After my HP, I am either buying System76 or Framework.
Eat_Your_Paisley 2 points 2 months ago
I was never a thinkpad lover so I don't think it would make me want one. The only thing I want out of a portable is for it to be as thin and light as possible if I need power I'll just use my desktop. I would love to see a company especially framework to build an entire chassis out of carbon fiber with a fanless CPU.
hanrahan 1 point 2 months ago
fair enough, for me rugged laptops are mostly for clutzs, people with little kids etc, folks who throw stuff about or assholes who think because they didn't buy it they don't have to look after it
i've never suffered from this so prefer something lighter.
paper_mint 1 point a month ago
sure, but everyone will drop something once or twice. and if you're someone who wants to get 5+ years out of the laptop, and potentially have it last beyond your own use to be used second hand, something that won't break when dropped would be pretty nice. I really appreciate my T530 which I bought 2-3 years ago, when it was already a 10 year old machine. sure the thinkpads are a bit overkill, but a sturdier plastic frame would help. also, to be honest, i enjoy the aestethic
solrize 1 point 2 months ago
I'm using an old Thinkpad right now, but would be ok with a no-keyboard laptop plus a separate keyboard, whether wired or Bluetooth. Framework has always seemed kind of meh to me despite the good intentions.
Diplomjodler3 0 points 2 months ago
Unless you work on an oil rig or similar, a better bag will fix most of your concerns. The laptop compartment should always be suspended off the bottom. Ruggedized electronics simply aren't worth the extra weight for most people.
quick_snail 2 points 2 months ago
Or if you have cats or a clumsy partner that trips over the Ethernet cable, dropping it 1 meter in a very-much-not-an-oil-rig type of home office with tile floors
Diplomjodler3 1 point 2 months ago
For this kind of contingency, cable management is a far better solution. I mean go wild, buy a toughbook for all i care. But your wife/cat will find a way to wreck that too, if you don't set it up to avoid trip hazards.
tinfoilhat 2 points 2 months ago
Yeah I tend to agree. Framework is going after the consumer enthusiast market.
The Thinkpad is rugged because employees don't take care of laptops that they didn't pay for. Businesses aren't going to pay someone at $50-80/hr to upgrade the RAM in 3000 laptops. They're just going to send them to ewaste or auction and buy all new ones from their stupid Dell Vender.
answersplease77 0 points 2 months ago
laptops with framework like that have 110% chance of stealing your password
quick_snail 1 point 2 months ago
Wut
answersplease77 0 points 2 months ago
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You could likely replace the aluminum case with a thicker, plastic one if you designed and 3D printed it. Plastic covers also exist for laptops.
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