Framework 16 Review

My issues

• AMD RZ616 module has multiple issues
  • Wi-Fi drivers (+ other drivers) don’t work out of the box
    • you can’t install W11 without an ethernet adapter (unless you know about the local workaround)
  • Bluetooth driver fails randomly (solution)
    • this happened to me twice three times in the middle of calls, so I was not happy with this
  • Easy fix was to replace the AMD RZ616 module with the Intel AX210 module. The
• AMD Vari-Bright messes with colors (solution)
• Webcam colors are all over the place (untested solution)
• Random fan spikes (unresolved)
• Framework Power Supply doesn’t support fast charging on my phone (45W)
• Framework Laptop output doesn’t support fast charging on my phone (45W)

My complaints

• USB C slot on the back doesn’t support charging (this is a pretty big annoyance imo, details)
• Input modules (keyboard + trackpad) aren’t fitting flush together (probably by design, but I’m not liking it)
• weight of a full gaming laptop (it’s heavy) without the specs to match
• No HDR display (not a dealbreaker, but annoying)
• USB C slot rules (I get that it’s an AMD limitation, but still annoying, details)
• Battery life isn’t great because of all of the hardware

My thoughts

I believe in Framework’s mission to make modular, repairable, and sustainable laptops. I’m fine with the issues with this laptop, but I don’t think I can recommend this model to anyone else. If I didn’t know how to solve tech issues, some of these would’ve been enough for me to return the laptop.

My Wish List

• Working PD
• HDR display
• Webcam calibration
• Alternative Graphics Boards (NVIDIA, Intel Arc, etc)
• Sensel touchpad
• LPCAMM2 memory (assuming it becomes a thing)
• Snapdragon X Elite Mainboard