Two Years with the Framework 13
Almost two years ago, I purchased a Framework 13. The laptop has been an excellent daily driver and I love the community and support by Framework. The search at the time was driven by four non‑negotiables:
- An AMD CPU
- Native Linux support
- Real, meaningful upgradeability
- A company that takes e‑waste and sustainability seriously
Framework happened to be one of the few manufacturers checking every box.
Why AMD Made Sense
The move toward an AMD laptop was driven by the impressive power efficiency and multi‑core performance the Ryzen line had been delivering. Around that time, Framework introduced the Ryzen 7040 Series for the 13‑inch model—bringing integrated graphics capable of real work (and a bit of play) along with AMD’s well‑known Linux‑friendly architecture. It was a rare combination in a market where AMD options were still surprisingly limited.
Why Linux Support Mattered
A long‑lived MacBookPro, 12+ years, had been running Fedora and Pop!_OS during its final year, especially once macOS stopped supporting certain GUI tools. Windows could fill some gaps, but only with dual‑booting or virtualization for *nix tools I was using. Native Linux support was essential.
Dell and HP offered a few Linux‑preinstalled models, which was encouraging, but ongoing support felt inconsistent. Some models disappeared quickly, HP’s DevOne being a prime example. Tuxedo Computers had appealing hardware but shipping from the EU pushed the cost too high. System76 remained a strong contender, especially as a US‑based manufacturer and maintainer of Pop!_OS, but Framework’s modular approach ultimately stood out.
Looking Beyond Mainstream Manufacturers
A 12‑year‑old MacBook Pro survived as long as it did because the storage and RAM were serviceable—and even some components Apple never intended to be user‑replaceable could be swapped with a bit of knowledge and skill. By contrast, a replacement consumer mid-spec laptop by HP barely made it two years before becoming e‑waste.
That contrast made the direction clear: no more sealed, disposable machines. A laptop should evolve with its owner, not fight against them. Most “sustainable” laptops still target enterprise buyers and rarely offer true modularity. Framework was one of the few companies actually engineering sustainability into the product rather than marketing around it.
A Laptop That Grows With Me
The Framework 13 treats the laptop as a platform, not a consumable. Over two years, that philosophy has worked out in practical ways:
- Expansion modules and port locations get swapped as my workflow shifts
- A new expansion module was secondary test OS and now is a secondary drive to support my backup workflow
- A wifi card was upgraded without replacing the entire device
- Maintenanceis perfomed with standard tools instead of proprietary screws, no pentalobe/torx needed ;)
- Overall a meaningful reduction in personal e‑waste
In a market built around rapid replacement cycles, this approach feels refreshingly sane.
Two years later, the Framework 13 still feels like the right call, not just for performance, but for what it represents. It proves that sustainability and solid engineering can coexist. When possible I choose products and companies that prioritize repairability and responsible design.
The laptop has run like a champ still and hosts my Fedora Cosmic setup flawlessly.
#kit #hardware