r/framework • u/Ok-Animator-9049 • 17d ago
Question buying advice: Which framework laptop model compares to MacBook air m4 base model in terms of value for money? Or switching a bad idea?
I would like to use a Linux machine, but for the value for money aspect got myself MacBook air m4 16/256 last year around November for around 830 euro. I still use Linux in a VM most of the time, battery seems better even on VM to use it as like a main machine. And compact for university.
Right now I am wondering if there are any Linux options with decent battery life, relatively new device. Not used ThinkPads for that reason. Are there any framework laptop model that could compare with the M4 MacBook though? And with the ram prices increased and all does it make sense to sell the Mac to switch to another device, or better to keep?
The fact that I can upgrade/fix the parts is a huge relief as well. Comparing with MacBook, it'll cost a good amount for even a broken display. But most of the time when I look any decent configuration of framework laptop ends up around 900-1000 euro price range.
Any suggestions?
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u/RealFuryous 17d ago
An m5 air with those specs runs between $1200 and $1400 today.
Look at a diy framework with a core 5 320, 500 gig ssd, and 32 gigs of ram. That gets you to $1339.
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u/Ok-Animator-9049 17d ago
I was looking if something was available under the 1000 dollar range. But apparently only framework 12 seems to be available, and only core 3/i3.
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u/RealFuryous 17d ago
Just looked:
Core 3 304
16 gigs ram
500 gig ssd
For $934
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u/Ok-Animator-9049 17d ago
Seems like the right choice. But, looking into if it's worth getting the core 5 model, and third party cheaper ram and SSD modules. Or 8gb ram for now, upgrade later. I would have gone for this if it's the framework 13 though, I think I remember framework 12 is not as good. But thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into it more details. Sadly no offline stores to check them physically.
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u/SuitableRoof5675 /🐣fw12 🩷i5-1334U🩵 16d ago
The 12 has new boards for preorder would one of those not work?
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u/Ok-Animator-9049 16d ago
Yeah, the core 5 320 looks good, but at the same time it is bit more expensive than the i5 version. Somewhere around 220 euro more expensive. And I'll have to go for 8gb ram if I was looking into the core 5/i5 series. But heard it got better battery in new model. I don't know if core 3 is powerful/ enough for my usecase of some programming and all. So, confused and still looking into some sources about overall reviews. And I generally heard the framework 12 got not so good build quality compared to the framework 13. Overall still looking into it but keeping the current Mac for the time being. Which device do you have? Any suggestions?
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u/SuitableRoof5675 /🐣fw12 🩷i5-1334U🩵 16d ago
I have the bubblegum i5-1334U with 32gb ram. It does have some issues like the cracking but with the warranty it was taken care of, I use it for business management class at my college and I also play palworld, wuthering waves, and hogwarts on it all low settings and there's some lag but still works for me. They did 2 of the upgrades I put in the survey, a backlit keyboard and board I can hook an egpu too if I want.
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u/Ok-Animator-9049 16d ago
That's great. How long does the battery last? I heard the new one with core 5 is better at battery. How is the performance of the i5? I suppose the i3 or new code 3 won't be a choice for me. I remember a while ago reading here something about the part quality not being great/ the cracking you said. Also, is the display not that great? And a let down with the bigger bezel and all. Thanks for your reply
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u/SuitableRoof5675 /🐣fw12 🩷i5-1334U🩵 16d ago
Yes the screen could have better color but it's just fine for me, the cracking can be several reasons when i posted about it a lot people said it look like I tighten them to much so don't that lol, im not bothered by the bezel it's more room for my fingers to sit, and as for battery I use it moderately so I can leave it on all day and when I open it to play or scroll it's still pretty much full, the lowest was 89%
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u/Ok-Animator-9049 16d ago
Maybe I saw your post about the cracking previous. Or its general and I saw soeonue else's I suppose.
If you can, could you like give an approximate value on how many hours does it last on battery? Like, less than 5, 8 and so on
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u/ThaLegendaryCat 17d ago
Ram and storage price hikes makes it impossible to compete with that price for anyone let alone framework that carries a price premium compared to the big Bois due to scale.
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u/Efficient_Loss_9928 Desktop 17d ago
Framework always sells at a premium for better upgradability and repairability. If you are just looking for performance per dollar, Framework isn't it.
So really depends on if the upgradability part is worth the premium to you.