As a tech enthusiast and investor, I recently received an email from a concerned viewer complaining about Framework's laptops and their customer support. This sparked a familiar feeling, reminiscent of our classic LTT secret shopping series. In this article, I'll share my experience with Framework's laptops, putting them to the test to see if they live up to their claims.

Introduction

Framework is a relatively new player in the laptop market, focusing on modular, upgradable designs that aim to reduce electronic waste and make technology more accessible. Their laptops are designed to be easily repairable, with removable components, and an emphasis on sustainability. As an investor, I was eager to see if their products matched their promise.

The Setup

To test Framework's laptops, I received two units: the Framework 13 and the Framework 16. Both laptops were shipped to me, and I was tasked with assembling them, testing their performance, and evaluating their build quality. The process was straightforward, with clear instructions and all necessary tools provided.

The Framework 13 is a 13.3-inch laptop with a Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It's designed for general use, such as browsing, office work, and streaming. The Framework 16, on the other hand, is a 16-inch laptop with a Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It's geared towards more demanding users, such as content creators, developers, and gamers.

Real-World Performance

After assembling the laptops, I put them through a series of tests to evaluate their performance. The Framework 13 handled everyday tasks with ease, but struggled with more demanding tasks like video editing and 3D modeling. The Framework 16, however, performed admirably, handling demanding tasks with ease.

One notable issue I encountered was with the Framework 13's fan noise. It was surprisingly loud, even at low loads. I also experienced some issues with the laptop's Wi-Fi connectivity, which required a reboot to resolve. The Framework 16 did not have these issues, but I did notice that its battery life was not as impressive as I had expected.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The Framework laptops have several strengths, including their modular design, which makes it easy to upgrade and repair components. They also have a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, which I appreciate. However, the laptops' build quality is not without its flaws. The Framework 13's keyboard, for example, is quite shallow, and the touchpad is not as responsive as I would have liked.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Modular design makes it easy to upgrade and repair components

Sleek and minimalist aesthetic

Good performance, especially with demanding tasks

Cons:

Framework 13's fan noise is loud

Framework 13's Wi-Fi connectivity is unreliable

Battery life is not impressive

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Conclusion

In conclusion, my secret shopping experience with Framework's laptops was mixed. While they have some notable strengths, such as their modular design and good performance, they also have some significant weaknesses, like loud fan noise and unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity. As an investor, I'm not convinced that Framework's laptops are the best value for the price.

What about Seth?

As I was testing the Framework laptops, I had the opportunity to speak with Seth, one of the company's founders. He was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the products, but also acknowledged some of the issues I encountered. I appreciate his willingness to listen to feedback and improve the products.

Good News?

Despite the issues I encountered, I'm encouraged by Framework's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Their modular design is a step in the right direction, and I appreciate their efforts to reduce electronic waste. With some improvements to their build quality and performance, I believe Framework has the potential to become a major player in the laptop market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my secret shopping experience with Framework's laptops was a mixed bag. While they have some notable strengths, they also have some significant weaknesses. As an investor, I'm not convinced that Framework's laptops are the best value for the price. However, I'm encouraged by their commitment to sustainability and innovation, and I believe they have the potential to become a major player in the laptop market.

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