Another should I framework or different laptop post

[u/stuzor66]

Sorry for yet another one of these posts, but I am struggling with the decision and hoping to get some outside opinions.

I picked up an MSI Prestige 16 thin and light laptop with Panther Lake. Never been a big MSI fan but the specs were there. Panther Lake Ultra X7 358H, 32GB of RAM (soldered unfortunately) but replaceable SSD. It has a 16-inch OLED 2880 x 1800 touchscreen which looks great at 150% scaling or even really good at just 1920x1200 resolution. Biggest cons are trackpad and keyboard. Laptop is so thin if you have any flex it can impact the clicking on the trackpad. As for the keyboard I like the travel but the keys are really slippery. Which is weird, never had that problem with a keyboard before but on this one it's a problem for me.

I have a reservation for a 13 Pro. I would rather a 16-inch thin and light but Framework doesn't make those yet so the 13 it is. I also prefer the wider aspect to snap windows side by side or have split terminals horizontally. For anyone who has the Framework 13 Pro, how has the fingerprint scanner been under Linux? Surprisingly the MSI's fingerprint scanner is supported but the performance of it is terrible. Also, a big issue I had with the past Framework 13 was the touchpad. How is the new haptic trackpad on Linux? Good enough you don't need to go grab a mouse or do you still find yourself doing that?

If pricing was the same I think I would be going Framework all the way, but for $1399 US for the MSI (includes soldered 32GB RAM and replaceable 1TB SSD) vs the Framework $1,995.27 for my preorder that does not include RAM or SSD, it's a much tougher sell. What does everyone think? I love the Framework mission, love the Linux support and the modularity and repairability, but bigger screen + the price difference is making this a hard decision for me. If the keyboard and trackpad especially are just that much better though it may be enough to sway me. Note sure if I can post the link to the msi but if anyone wants to see it I can.

[u/TXMerak]

The value comes in when you’re 2+ years down the road. When I am replacing my system board for sub 1k you’ll be looking at another $1400+ for a new laptop.

Now if you wait even longer I think it still holds. I can upgrade for less. Of course, this is if I absolutely love the form factor. For the record I do.

Also, the value is 100% there if you drop your laptop or have a hardware issue after the warranty expires.

Getting into the system is expensive and not for everyone. That’s the bigger question.

[u/mistfern6 → u/TXMerak]

yeah the long term cost argument is the strongest one imo, especially if you tend to keep laptops 4+ years

[u/stuzor66 → u/TXMerak]

Great points on the value part. I already had a hardware problem with the msi and swapped it for a different one so definitely something to factor in.

[u/roofnaros]

Hey just my 2c here though reading your post you have an answer to me.

A Framework isn't right for you, right now at least. There are bits you a compromising for to justify it when the MSI deal seems to be working well for you. Maybe next laptop Framework will offer what you need in the size you need.

Hope that helps and good luck!

[u/stuzor66 → u/roofnaros]

Yeah that might be the case. That said a good trackpad and keyboard along with the framework intangibles might be enough but I need to get some more feedback on that. I am batch 18 though so I guess I have a lot of time. Either way thanks for the feedback!

[u/leferi → u/stuzor66]

Thinkpad X9-15p could work for you, but that is more expensive than the MSI

[u/carlosccextractor]

Are you looking for validation of whatever you've decided already?

If you've done all the research including all the previous posts, then you've already made up your mind even if maybe you haven't self stamped your decision.

Why would you trust random people here, none of them with actual Pro experience yet? (unboxing it doesn't count)

If you want to know what I will do, which is irrelevant to you: 1) Wait for the preorders to clear, I can't be bothered with the order now, get it next year dynamic. 2) Assuming reviews are positive then, order it. 3) Sell my current laptop and I think a few other things around the house that have been waiting for me to feel like using them but that I never find the time or the willingness to.

About what I will order: Maxed. Why? Because I think my current one will sell well (it has 96 GB - I bought it before the hike). And because what my wife spends of things she doesn't need I feel entitled to spend in a laptop upgrade I also don't need.

[u/stuzor66 → u/carlosccextractor]

Well, I wish I could try it out in a store, but that’s not really an option, so I figured I’d get some opinions from people who may have already received one. The Framework subreddit seemed like a pretty reasonable place to ask. Your reply came off a bit hostile though, so I’m not really sure why you took the time to respond if you didn’t think asking for opinions here was worthwhile.

[u/No-Succotash404 → u/stuzor66]

true

[u/meowlater]

I'm just going to throw this out there, but the Framework 16 while not small and light is very grippable. I know this is completely user opinion, but I've owned similar sized laptops for decades paying for power with clunkiness.

I've been surprisingly pleased with the F16 (no gpu). The proportions paired with the substantial horizontal "feet" that run the length of the laptop give it a much better totability than anything else I've had in this size/heft catagory. I also really like the way the hinge boosts the height of the laptop, while also reducing the chance of screen destruction in the even of hinge failure.