Framework vs Macbook laptop?

I apologise if this is the wrong community to post this in, I wasn’t sure which one was ideal.

I’m suffering a difficult decision of choosing between a Framework laptop or a Macbook Air (M1, 2020). I really like the ethical principles of Framework, i.e. you actually own it and can repair it any time, leading to an increased longevity. At the same time, I have heard people claim Macbook is superior in almost all aspects (especially battery life).

I know both Apple and Microsoft are greedy CorpGiants, but seeing as I have an iPhone, I figure it would be easier using a Mac? But then again, the prices really are not worth it, especially considering it costs a lot to repair them. I have 0 experience with Linux, and this computer will be used at school, so I suppose it stands between macOS and Windows.

I guess I just want some advice? Or some guidance and comparisons. Is 8GB enough for a Framework laptop? The 16GB version costs nearly as much as the Mac I’m looking at, hence my hesitance. If anybody has some experience using Framework and / or Macbook, I would love to hear about it. What are some pros and cons? Which people are better off with FW and Mac respectively?

Thank you!

*Edit, forgot to mention: I need a Swedish keyboard on the computer, and Framework apparently only offers English. This is the largest obstacle preventing me from leaning towards FW.

Baaron87,

One other thing that you should consider is what kind of software you know you need to run. I did read in the other comments that you mentioned Microsoft Office. If you need a native installed version, that’s where Mac or Windows will be stronger options.

That said, I have both a 2017 MacBook Pro as well as a 1st generation Framework laptop. Between the two of them, I prefer the Framework for a wide variety of reasons. Repairability and upgradability being major factors.

If you opt to use the framework laptop, I know the keyboard can be swapped out for a different language one. After looking at all the different keyboards they have, they don’t have Swedish as an option, but as an alternative, you could always get one of the blank ones and add the lettering down the line. Each operating system can change different keyboard formats on the fly, so even if you used a standard English QWERTY one, it could be switched to DVORAK in the OS and function like it. This should be the same for a Swedish language one if I’m not mistaken.

Finally for operating systems, if you need specific apps, Windows will likely give you the most compatibility with whatever you need to work with. Linux on the other hand is what I personally use and recommend if you’re willing to try something else. If you do, Linux Mint is the easiest one to jump into for a wide variety of reasons. And as a side note, you can also dual boot, using Windows for your studies and Linux for everything else.

I know this was a longer response but I hope that gives you some insight for your situation. Good luck!

clark,
@clark@midwest.social avatar

Thank you for the response, I appreciate it! I’m not sure I understand the paragraph about the keyboard, however; do you mind explaining how switching the format will affect it?

32b99410_da5b, (edited )

The letters printed on the keys actually don’t matter.

When you install an OS or set up your user, there’s always a step asking you your language, right? Part of that is what the OS will interpret the keyboard key codes as.

For example, I pick US English as my language and then also say that I want “Dvorak” as my keyboard layout instead of the normal “Qwerty”.

After that, my laptop keyboard (which is the standard Qwerty everyone in the US gets with their Dell laptop) will be interpreted by the OS as actually being Dvorak layout instead, so typing the keys labeled “asdf” makes “aoeu” show up.

Software keyboard layout vs hardware keyboard layout.

Baaron87,

Sure. In Windows there’s ways to change the settings for it. I’ll link some steps on that. I’ll also give the direct link if you want to use a blank keyboard:

www.microsoft.com/…/how-to-remap-your-keyboard

That article above goes very in depth about how to get that done. Depending on what you need to work with; foreign languages, different key formats, etc. it should have the steps to switch them out and give you the best workflow. The short of it though, even if your physical keys show one thing, they will react like you expect with a keyboard you’re familiar with.

As for the physical framework keyboard: frame.work/marketplace/keyboards

That second link will shows the different keyboard options they have. As a side note, if you choose the DIY edition, you can pick from the different keyboards rather than be stuck with default English. Still doesn’t have Swedish, but may give you a better alternative this way.

Do note, the DIY edition does require some assembly. When I got mine I had to install the wireless card, memory and SSD. Everything else is basically pre-assembled. frame.work/products/laptop-diy-13-gen-intel?q=pro…

Feel free to ask more questions if you need to. And you’re welcome

const_void,

Framework

some_guy,

Apple does flat-rate repairs for Mac laptops that haven’t been damaged by impact or liquid damage. If they can perform a repair cheaper in-store, they usually will do so, but I am going on old info from being a repair tech at an Apple Store a decade ago. You could ask an Apple Store employee to get the cost of flat-rate repairs from a technician and then you’d know what you’re potentially looking at. I’ve owned many Mac laptops and only needed a repair on one (and that was still under warranty).

I’m a Mac nerd who’s fascinated by Framework laptops. I don’t think either decision would be wrong. I haven’t got to test drive one, so I can’t offer an informed opinion beyond what I’ve said here.

noughtnaut,
@noughtnaut@lemmy.world avatar

Are you only considering the hardware/price, or also the software side?

Which OS’es do you have experience with, and/or preference for?

The previous Mac I used was the first one they made with a colour screen (yes, I’m that old). Then last year I got a Mac laptop and I wanted to love it … but man, that OS is getting in my way something fierce! To such an extent, in fact, that I switched over to my own (arguably inferior) Thinkpad that’s been running Linux since forever.

roofuskit,
@roofuskit@lemmy.world avatar

If you’re considering a framework laptop I can’t imagine you’d want to be stuck on Apple software/silicon.

u_tamtam,
@u_tamtam@programming.dev avatar

According to www.notebookcheck.net , a framework 13 with a Ryzen 7840U will run out of battery 22% faster than the macbook but will outperform the macbook by 85% on some benchmarks. I wouldn’t pick the mac.

clark,
@clark@midwest.social avatar

Would you recommend the Intel or AMD version? I’m not very updated on what distinguishes the AMD.

Blisterexe,

AMD is as fast in cpu, faster in GPU, and has(much) better battery life. At least until framework gets meteor lake

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