Is it worth getting a Framework 13 Pro?
Heya all
I'm currently a student working on a bachelors in IT, and I'm starting to feel that my current laptop (HP ProBook 440 G8) probably wont cut it for the next months/years. I really don't want my current one to fail in a period where I really can't afford it to, both money and time wise.
I've been looking at replacements, and since a friend of mine has the Framework 13, I decided to look at whatever this is (WOAH). I now think it will either be a Framework laptop, or a Thinkpad.
I'm considering:
- 13 Pro, it seems like the best balance of longevity and performance
- 13, it's a bit cheaper, but I'm unsure if the non-Pro model is the better choice long-term
- Thinkpad. Haven't researched any models or prices yet, but I know they're solid for Linux
Do anyone know how the audio with the 3.5mm jack is? I got a Sennheiser 560S headset which I'd love to be able to use comfortably. They require a decent DAC/AMP (about 120 Ω), but I'll most likely look for the DAC/AMP model and ask in more specialized subreddits :3. But if anyone here has experience, I'd really appreciate it.
My current display is 1080p and very warm-tinted, so I definitely think a better screen both in colour and resolution would be absolutely golden.
It's primarily for this reason that I've looked past the 12, as I feel/fear the screen might be a bit too small for me. The 16 I fear might be too big and heavy, and honestly too overkill for my usage (I mostly play Factorio and Satisfactory). If you have any contradictions to this, PLEASE let me know, I'm dying to hear from a regular user.
A 13 Pro DIY build with the specs I think I want (parts list at the bottom just so you know what I'm after, I probably won't be buying the parts separately) ends up around 3400 USD + tax/shipping (Yes I know there's free shipping on laptops, but if I'm buying parts then I don't know if it'll be covered, and Norway is very strict with imports).
I've mostly tried to get the 13 DIY to be similar to the Pro in terms of specs, which I do believe would put it around 3200 USD + tax/shipping. The parts I imagine for the base 13 would be:
Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32 GB ram, 1TB storage and charger.
I know that with such a large purchase a couple hundred bucks isn't what I should prioritize above all else, and that if I wanted to save money I should instead go with a Thinkpad or some other brand, but I do for the most part want some feedback from you.
Here's the part list for how I image the 13 Pro. I do believe I got everything sorted, and that nothing is missing.
| Part | Price (for me, NOK) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Framework Laptop 13 Pro Mainboard (Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 3) | 10700 | 1177 |
| LPCAMM2 - LPDDR5X 8533 Memory - 32 GB | 5900 | 649 |
| Framework Laptop 13 Pro Battery - 74Wh | 1200 | 132 |
| Framework Laptop 13 Pro Speaker Kit | 240 | 26 |
| Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 No vPro | 380 | 42 |
| Framework Laptop 13 Pro Touchscreen Display Kit - 2.8K | 4010 | 441 |
| Framework Laptop 13 Top Cover - CNC | 1200 | 132 |
| Framework Laptop 13 Pro Bottom Cover Kit | 2300 | 253 |
| Framework Laptop 13 Hinge Kit | 300 | 33 |
| Norwegian keyboard | 2400 | 264 |
| Black Bezel | 540 | 59 |
| Power Adapter - 100W - EU | 800 | 88 |
| USB-C Cable - EPR | 170 | 19 |
| Modules: | ||
| USB-C x3 | 360 | 40 |
| USB-A | 120 | 13 |
| HDMI | 240 | 26 |
| Ethernet | 540 | 59 |
| Total: | 31400 | 3454 |
I'm very little active on reddit, so please don't judge me if I take a while to answer.