I Bought the ANTI-MacBook, and It’s BETTER in So Many Ways

I've been a fan of Apple products and macOS for decades. Apple has become synonymous with premium design and performance, and it's hard to deny the grip they have on the consumer electronics market.

Even as an IT guy who works on and supports Windows systems and networks, I find myself preferring my MacBook and macOS far more than any Windows system I've ever used.

But there's one Achilles heel to Apple's sleek design: it's not repairable. Not to the degree that it was even ten years ago. Today, Apple solders even storage and memory, making those parts impossible to upgrade after purchase.

That's why I was excited when I first learned about what I affectionately call the "anti-MacBook." Built on a philosophy so far removed from Apple's, it feels like the antimatter to Apple's matter. The electron to Apple's positron. The polar opposite.

In a good way.

Enter Framework

Framework is a small startup that was founded in 2020 by an ex-Apple and Occulus employee, Nirav Patel. The company was founded with the goal of making consumer electronics less disposable, more repairable, and more upgradable.

Since then, the company has launched numerous laptop models and even a desktop.

What makes these machines so different is not necessarily what they are but rather what they aren't. They're not designed to be e-waste in a few years, like what you'd get from Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, and yes.

Even Apple.

The Framework philosophy is centered around reducing e-waste and fixing the consumer electronics industry as a whole. It's a tough battle, especially against the likes of Apple, Dell and the other big fish.

But I love what this little company is doing. So I bought a Framework Laptop 13, and it's impressive.

The Framework Laptop 13 is Framework's first computer. Since the first edition of the Laptop 13, Framework has released a larger 16-inch laptop (the Framework Laptop 16), a smaller 12-inch laptop (the Framework Laptop 12), a desktop (the Framework Desktop), a Chromebook, and recently the Framework Laptop 13 Pro.

I'm liking where this is heading.

Customization options

When you buy a MacBook, you have very limited options. You choose your specs. You choose what color you want (from a very limited selection of colors). And that's about it.

Don't like the port selection of your laptop model? Too bad. You're stuck with it. Want a different language keyboard? Too bad.

When you buy a Framework laptop, you pick the ports you want in the form of "expansion cards." These are USB-C cards that slot into the chassis of the computer to provide ports like USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD, SD, Ethernet, and even additional storage.

What's cool about this is these expansion cards can be swapped, moved around and replaced on the fly. If you decide you need an HDMI port, you can slot in an HDMI expansion card. Don't need HDMI? Replace it with another USB-C port or an Ethernet port.

The downside for the Framework laptop 13 is you only get four ports, which is less than you'd get with some laptops. The Framework laptop 16 has six. For me that's not really a problem, since I've been living with a Dell XPS 17 with four Thunderbolt 4 ports for a while, and I never use the SD card slot. So having four ports isn't a problem for me, but it might be for some.

When I bought my laptop, I went with three USB-C ports and one USB-A.

One of my frustrations with my MacBook Pro has been the lack of a USB-A port, so I jumped on the chance to add one to my Framework. But it's nice knowing that I have the option to replace that with something else in the future if I want

Framework also makes it stupidly simple to switch keyboard languages, for those who want that. I use an English keyboard, but if I wanted one in a different language, it would take about five minutes (if that) to swap it out.

You can even replace the bezel if you'd like, choosing a different color. I personally went with the translucent color, but you can also get black, white, gray, orange, lavender, or a variety of other options.

The Framework Laptop 16, the larger version of what I have, has even more customization options.

Upgradability

My 14-inch MacBook Pro has endured lots of punishment in the time I've had it. It's poor SSD has had truckloads of data dumped on it repeatedly, and I often run out of available system memory, especially when I'm working in Blender or a similar tool.

I can't fault Apple for that, of course. I intentionally bought the M3 Pro, 1TB, 18GB of memory spec I bought thinking it would be enough. But now, I'm kicking myself a bit, wishing I'd opted for a beefier system. I could definitely use more RAM. That's why I picked up a 16-inch M5 Max system.

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But because Apple has decided to solder the memory in the MacBook Pro, I have no way of upgrading my memory, no matter how many sticks of overpriced DDR5 I buy on Amazon. I'm stuck with what the computer had when I bought it. The same goes for the storage.

That's not the case on the Framework Laptop 13.

On the Framework, the memory, the solid state drive, the display, the speakers, the battery, the Wi-Fi card, and even the mainboard itself can be upgraded or replaced.

On modern laptops, you might be able to replace the storage, and memory and wireless card. But that's about it.

The Framework is different. Even those who bought the very first generation of the Framework Laptop 13 can get and install the latest generation main board. That means even someone who bought the cheapest Framework 13 back in 2021 with an Intel i5–1135G7 could upgrade to a main board with a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 today.

These computers aren't meant to be disposable. They're meant to be upgraded and repaired, not replaced.

Contrast that with Apple's mentality: soldered components and design that is meant to be replaced, not easily repaired.

I like knowing that if I need more power in a couple of years, I'll be able to get it without having to buy a new laptop.

What a concept.

The upgrade parts aren't cheap, usually, and buying a new mainboard for a Framework laptop is expensive. But to me, being able to reuse parts I already have while upgrading or replacing only the parts I want to upgrade or replace is the best way to be a good steward of resources.

If I need more power out of my MacBook, I couldn't buy a new logic board from Apple and upgrade to an M4 Pro chip. I'd have to trade in the one I have or buy a replacement system. But I don't need to replace my screen or keyboard or speakers or anything else. Just the logic board?

Framework's way seems much better to me.

Readily available parts

Repairability and upgradability mean squat if you can't find the parts you need. Being able to replace a keyboard is useless if you can't find a keyboard, for example.

Framework, from what I've seen, has done a great job of making parts available directly from its own website. Parts are available new or refurbished directly from Framework or from others in the Framework community.

If I needed a new keyboard, for example, I could simply buy one directly from Framework or from someone else who has one to spare.

And if you don't want to go through them, it's easy to find parts elsewhere too.

If you need a new display, a new keyboard, new hinges, new speakers or even new screws, you're covered. I think that's awesome.

Apple, on the other hand, will sell parts through its Self Service Repair program, but repairs often require additional equipment rentals, and certain components can't actually be individually replaced. So you're left buying more than the part you really need to replace.

Not great.

Repairing or upgrading a Framework doesn't require expensive rental equipment or anything crazy like that. All you need is the single screwdriver that came in the box, and if you don't have or don't like that screwdriver, it's a standard non-proprietary bit. No glue. No weird pentalobe nonsense.

Simple repairs

Replacing a battery in a MacBook, for example, requires (according to Apple) replacing the entire top case, along with the keyboard. Incredibly wasteful.

Replacing a keyboard? Same thing. Apple's way is to just swap the entire top case of the laptop, which includes the keyboard, the battery, the trackpad, the speakers, and the rest of the palm rest.

That sort of philosophy is so far removed from Framework's as to be the polar opposite. Having to replace more than you need to is wasteful, and often expensive.

On a Framework system, if you need to replace a part, you replace that part. Nothing more. Nothing less. The battery isn't glued in. The display bezel is held on with magnets. Even the palm rest is held on with five screws and magnets, not breakable clips.

The entire design centers around easy upgrades and quick and simple repairs, not glue, clips, and "take it to Apple" gate keeping.

Obviously the hope is to never need a repair, but I've worked with and on computers long enough to know that accidents happen, parts can fail, and pets are a never ending source of peril for electronics. So it's nice to know that if I ever needed to swap out a keyboard or replace a broken screen, I could in just a few minutes.

I also love the fact that Framework provides easy to follow, iFixit-style guides for most repairs, right on their website.

Operating system freedom

I love macOS. Don't get me wrong. And I love my MacBook. But there are times when I wish I could boot into a different OS, like Ubuntu or Fedora or Zorin OS.

While there has been progress toward bringing Linux to Apple silicon Macs, support is incredibly limited right now.

I like that my Framework 13 can run Windows if I want or my favorite distro of Linux. While that's true of just about any modern Windows laptop too, it's a major point in favor of the Framework for someone like me who doesn't want to be stuck on a single OS.

But perhaps more importantly, I love that Framework allows buyers to choose not to include an operating system with the purchase of a Framework laptop.

When you buy a laptop off the shelf at most stores today, you're paying for the hardware plus a copy of Windows.

Sure, some people do need and want Windows, but many actually don't. And some already have a license of Windows and would like to use that instead of paying even more money for yet another license.

When I bought my Framework laptop, I chose to forego the Windows license knowing that I'd be running either Ubuntu or Pop!_OS on my computer, and I didn't want to pay extra up front for a license I didn't think I'd want.

And so far, I don't regret that decision. Ubuntu and Fedora work great on my Framework 13, but if I ever do need Windows, I know it's super easy to get a license from Microsoft.

Where the MacBook beats the Framework Laptop 13

To be fair, directly comparing the Framework Laptop 13 and a MacBook Pro is a bit of a category error. They're very different devices.

One is designed to be a solid, professional powerhouse that just works. Your upgrade, customization, and repair options are basically zero. But that's perfectly fine for lots of people.

The other is designed to be a repairable, upgradable machine that is designed to be kept for a long time.

Apple's done a fantastic job of tuning Apple silicon to be fast and power efficient. In terms of GPU power, my M3 Pro MacBook Pro destroys the Framework 13's AMD Ryzen AI 5 340. Even the highest-end processor available in the Framework 13, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 falls behind the M3 Pro. Much more so the M5 series.

If you're looking for a system that's quiet and super powerful, and that's the biggest consideration, I probably wouldn't recommend a Framework laptop. A MacBook is an excellent choice.

Especially if you need macOS or Mac-only software. It's hard to go wrong with a MacBook. I love my Macs, and it's totally understandable to prefer Apple's way of doing things.

Comparing my MacBook Pro and Framework 13, I'm confident in saying that the build quality of the MacBook is far, far better than the Framework's. Yes, it's glued together and impossible to upgrade, but it's very well built.

Build quality has been one of my biggest gripes with the Framework Laptop 13.

The build quality of the Framework isn't bad, but it's definitely not on the same level as you'd expect from a MacBook. The keyboard has a bit of flex to it, and several input covers I've tried have all had a slight upward bend. Not enough to impact the screen, but definitely enough to bother my OCD.

If those minor details are important to you (and it's very reasonable for that to be important to you) then stick with the MacBook.

This is a problem I'm hoping is solved with the Framework Laptop 13 Pro, which has an aluminum build instead of a more plastic build. I'll know one way or the other this Fall when my preorder arrives.

Who should buy a Framework Laptop 13?

On the other hand, if you're looking for a system that's durable and can grow with you over the years, a Framework laptop seems like a no brainer.

No, it's not quite as powerful as a MacBook for some tasks, but for me the repair and upgrade possibilities make the trade off worth it.

A Framework laptop is a machine that's designed to be bought once and then upgraded as often or as little as you need instead of being yet another device that gets outgrown and tossed after a few years.

If that sort of thing intrigues you, as it does me, then I can't recommend Framework enough.

The 13-inch Framework Laptop 13 doesn't come with a dedicated GPU, but it can have up to a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor. It's not exactly a gaming GPU but good enough for some light gaming. If you need a dedicated GPU, the larger 16-inch Framework Laptop 16 has an optional RTX 5070 module.

Like most products, it's not for everyone of course. Someone who doesn't have the skills or interest to upgrade or repair his own computer might prefer to get a name brand system from Dell or Apple or one of the others. And if you plan to trade in or sell your laptop after a couple of years anyway, you probably won't care too much about being able to upgrade it down the road.

But with movements like Right to Repair gaining steam, I think people are starting to realize just how much control manufacturers, even those we like, try to exert over their products. We're sick of soldered components, expiration dates on perfectly good hardware, and designs that are meant to prevent repair.

The Framework laptop is aimed directly at that frustration, and that's why I love it.

So how is the Framework better?

In terms of raw processing power and build quality, a MacBook Pro has the regular Framework Laptop 13 beat by a mile. It just does.

The MacBook has a better screen. Better speakers. Better overall feel.

But the Framework is a machine that can grow with me as I need it to. That… that right there is huge. The MacBook can't do that. My fancy new 16-inch M5 Max MacBook Pro can't do that. If I ever need more than 48GB of memory in my Mac, I'm out of luck.

But in the Framework? I can swap out components easily. I can upgrade my memory and my storage. I can even replace the entire mainboard and get a faster CPU and GPU if I want.

The keyboard can be replaced in under 5 minutes (which is a nice comfort knowing how much I type.)

My assessment of "better" comes squarely from the belief that what the Framework 13 offers is a better all around package for someone who wants a laptop to last for as long as possible, be as upgradable as possible, and be as customizable as possible.

And I fully accept that my "better" may not be your "better" at all. That's fair.

I love my MacBooks for what they are, and I'll continue to. But what makes the Framework so great is the fact that it's such a massive departure from the glued-together, soldered-down, unrepairable design that's become so common.

And now, with the release of the RTX Spark, I can't help but appreciate modular design and repairability all the more.

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Hope for consumer electronics?

During my time working as an IT technician, I've grown more and more frustrated with how unrepairable laptops have become. Repairs that used to be quick and simple are now sometimes possible only after removing adhesive, removing riveted-in components, and risking damage to plastic clips along the way.

And some aren't possible at all.

Just recently I had to tell a customer that his company's MacBook Pro is fried and his data unrecoverable because of a small liquid spill near the left hinge. That was enough to make the machine e-waste. And as much as I like macOS and Apple products, that's just terrible design.

I don't have any illusions that Framework is going to upset the industry and bring back repairability across the board, but I love that they're trying.

If nothing else, they've proven that it's possible to design laptops that look good, work well, and are actually repairable.

Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple all make laptops that look good and work well, but repair for them is an after thought. At best. And I can't even count the number of times I've run into absolutely insane, anti-repair design decisions while fixing one of their products.

Framework is a company that seems, in my opinion, to genuinely care about the consumer electronics industry as a whole and wants people to have systems they truly own and can repair themselves.

It shouldn't be a novel concept, but it seems to be. That's why I'm happy to see the success of Framework. It's grown a lot over the past few years. Their single product, the Framework Laptop 13, has grown into five distinct product lines. That gives me hope that maybe there is still a demand for repairable computers.

That does my old, grumpy IT tech guy heart good.