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On the WiFi, we switched to pre-installing the card with antennas attached when we launched in Europe last year, and are continuing that for all configurations of 12th Gen. We agree it is too finicky.

On the hinges, could you reach out to our support team? We had a set of out of spec hinges come from our supplier, and it is possible that is what you are seeing. The team can also help you out on any issues you're seeing on your keyboard or trackpad.

Yeah, I'll try to get to it. Like I said it hasn't been a huge issue. I did read up on the forums about the hinges, since someone had the same complaint as me. IIRC the response was along the lines of "Adjustable tension on the hinges? Huh. That's a good idea. Maybe one day we'll do it."

> we switched to pre-installing the card with antennas attached

That's really good to hear. I assumed I had to do it because I got the DIY edition and that I essentially got what I asked for.

> Installing the WiFi card was crazy difficult. The antenna connectors are tiny, fragile, and require significant pressure to snap on. I had to use a pair of pliers to get it on and I was very concerned about breaking or bending something

I don't have a Framework, but that's how installing mobile WiFi cards has always felt to me. IME those connectors are sturdier than you'd think, but I never use tweezers or apply pressure on the wire other than at the joint, from directly above, with a finger.

Seconding this.

I've never worked with a mobile wifi adapter that wasn't miserable to try to put connect the antenna to.

Framework have released an alternative hinge that takes more force to move: https://frame.work/products/display-hinge-kit?v=FRANFB0002

I've been running a DIY model for about a year as well. My only complaint was likewise that installing the wifi antenna was _very_ tricky. I briefly thought I had broken it before it finally came together for me. (It sounds like they've mitigated this issue by now, so that's great.)

I also had a few of the Linux issues that others have mentioned, but upgrading to the newest Ubuntu solved them.

Overall a fantastic machine, and probably my favorite laptop I've ever owned.

> The touchpad isn't great. My work machines have been MacBooks, so maybe I'm spoiled. But I disable touch to click. And clicking to click is also inconsistent. I ended up having to click extra hard.

pressing on a touch pad has always annoyed me. on my laptops i always remap capslock -> (ctrl|cmd), and (ctrl|cmd) -> mouse click.

I'm looking forward to the product maturing a little. If they can fix annoyances like this, improve port density and provide a better Ethernet port (that doesn't stick out) I'll start buying 'em.