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Comment by opine-at-random | Hacker News Reader

I own a framework, and 3/4 of the ports are failing. I shilled this machine hard when I got it, but now I have dubious connections to my ext-monitor and my microphone. Sometimes when I'm moving files to-from my SSD I have intermittent failures. Also the hinge that it comes with is fucking atrocious.

I really wanted to love this $1500 product, but frankly; I'm just going to resuscitate my thinkpad, and get my work to provide a desktop and use x11 forwarding on it.

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Out of curiosity, is that the internal ports or the ones in the usb-c expansion bays?

Also, where did you buy your laptop ? I know they found some hinges out of spec mid 2022 and where sending replacements to the users ( https://community.frame.work/t/explainer-lid-rigidity-hinge-... )

This confuses me, I thought the whole point was the Framework's repair-friendly?

Why are you living with these defects instead of servicing the thing?

Just another random suggestion which could be astray... Is the port issue you're having with the 1TB expansion card, or is the SSD issue which you describe a separate issue, i.e. with the internal SSD?

If you're having an issue with the 1TB expansion card disconnecting, it could be this: https://guides.frame.work/Guide/1TB+Expansion+Card+Throttlin...

As one extra piece of anecdata, I haven't had any issues with the ports either, though I have had the expansion card issue.

Just in case anyone is wondering about their support, Frame.work were very good about offering to fix the expansion card issue, and my fan-scraping-noise issue, both for no cost. Unfortunately I am in a country they don't sell to yet so they can't help me yet. They did say that if they later expand to offer sales here, they would still offer a fix, even though outside of the warranty period.

Have you spoken to support about the issue? Sounds like an uncommon problem and could be linked to a single part failing.

The hinge is certainly flimsy.

The hinge _was_ light on the old ones (deliberately, they wanted it to be easy to open with one hand), but after a lot of feedback like this, they went with a heavier one. I have a 12th gen and a 13th gen (one is my wife's), and the new one has a stiffer hinge that doesn't move if you aggressively move the laptop.

Because it's Framework, you can of course buy the heavier hinge and put it on the older models; I haven't, because it's not a problem for me, but if it's one for you, it's a fix you can do cheaply.

I own a framework, one of the early ones from launch. All of the ports are working. My SSD has no problems, and the hinge has been fine for us, but they upgraded it after launch so newer ones should be better.

Something's wrong with it. Mine is fine.

Swap the ports and see if the problems moved with the module, or stay fixed with a port location. Try on a LiveCD with Linux to rule out the OS. If nothing else - probably MB.

You can replace the ports and the hinge, without too much expense, and this is kinda the defining feature of this product line. Did you try replacing the ports and the hinge?

The ports and hinge shouldn’t fail within the lifetime of a laptop. Sure occasionally you’ll get a defect, but the average experience should be that nothing needs replacing other than physically damaged parts from misuse.

I own a Framework, have been using it daily for 2+ years, and it's been a rock-solid workhorse for me - haven't dealt with any of the issues that you describe. Sorry to hear! Have you contacted support?

Just chiming in here as more anecdata - my framework has been totally fine aside from the hinge (but support sent for their new one for free).

My ports are fine, something funky is up with yours. All 1st Gen hinges are bad, but the 2nd Gen hinge is almost perfect. All speakers are bad, battery life is bad, the fan is just a jet engine some times. The promise of an upgradable laptop is great, but it's less great if it's an excuse to ship sub-par default parts. If I have to replace most parts to end up with a laptop that makes me happy, it feels ... like I was cheated of the actual initial promise.

That said, I am happy with it. And still, I'm in for the experiment. If I can get one truly great inter-generational mainboard update while retaining most parts, then the "build" will have paid for itself. I'm on a 12th gen mainboard, hoping my next update will be some time around 2026 or 2027.

I have a framework. My biggest issue has been the touch pad.

I had to vouch for your comment, I'm guessing because it's a new account? Might be something to keep an eye out for in case it continues happening.

Edit: Looking at your comment history, maybe that was a mistake.

What are you talking about?

Shitty combative comments. Read the guidelines and shape up, foo'.

The reason i have no Framework is the lack of a track point in stead/addition to a touchpad that can be turned off by default. Basically i have to keep using Thinkpads until another manufacturer sees the light and includes an optional working track point in their keyboards.

Sadly I think this is hopeless. The trackpoint is a thing of the past. Modern thinkpad trackpoints are notably not as good as the ones from 10 years ago anyway. I personally use it less and less on my p14s and surprisingly, it's not that annoying.

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