Framework 16 - First impressions

Almost 2 years ago, I decided to switch from a Macbook to a Framework. Back then, they only had a 13” option and even though I felt that screen will be too small for me, to support the company I ordered one. Initially, I found the whole device tiny, but then I got accustomed to it and it became my daily driver.

As I expected, Framework eventually announced a 16” laptop and it isn’t just a larger model, but it also can run an optional GPU and the input module is also customizable. So I decided to preorder one. I chose the following spec:

Configuration
€2,697.00
System: Ryzen™ 9 7940HS
Memory: DDR5-5600 - 32GB (1 x 32GB)
Storage: WD_BLACK™ SN850X NVMe™- M.2 2280 - 1TB
Expansion Bay System
Expansion Bay Module: Graphics Module (AMD Radeon™ RX 7700S)
Expansion Bay: Expansion Bay Shell
Keyboard: US English
Power Adapter Region: EU / KR
Spacer: Framework Laptop 16 Spacer - Black
Spacer: Framework Laptop 16 Spacer - Black
Laptop Bezel: Framework Laptop 16 Bezel - Black

I received the laptop yesterday, and I want to write down my first impressions while I remember.

When I opened the box and removed the laptop, my first thought was “this is fucking huge and heavy”. Funnily, if you read my blogpost about the 13” one, I had the opposite experience. Since, I ordered the DIY version, I had to put the components together. I followed the manual, and everything went well, until I noticed that I have a part that is not mentioned in the setup guide I was looking at. Since it didn’t seem to be missing from anywhere, I tried to boot the machine and it booted. I asked Framework about that part and it turned out to be for the expansion bay shell, that I don’t have installed at the moment, since I use a GPU.

I prepared a Fedora installed in advance, but it didn’t work. After some googling, I found out some people has this issue when using the Fedora Media Write, so I made a new one with Etcher, and that worked. I installed Fedora and started to set the machine up, but then I realized that I was going to test drive Ubuntu, so I made an installer for that and started over. I got everything set up pretty quickly(more detailed post about that will come in the future) and other than needing to get used to the bigger screen, I love the device so far.

Unfortuntaly my model has the issue with the spacers not lining up properly, but I guess Framework will send a fix kit for that eventually, or if not, I can live with that slight aesthetic issue. In overall, I am happy so far, but I will write a more detailed post in the future.