I bought a Framework DIY. I live in regional Australia and being able to order parts to install myself and extend the longevity of my system was decisive. The Framework was a compromise on specs and wasn’t my first choice but nothing compares for sustainability and serviceability. I sourced ram and nvme locally and installed Arch.

System76 are a bit of a fantasy for me. I looked at them for years but I don’t want to pay a premium then deal with international RMA on a rebadged Clevo. I always bought whatever looked good in locally available Windows laptops instead before Framework.

Now I am in the ecosystem I very selfishly want Framework to succeed and guarantee my access to upgrades and parts. I respect System76’s mission and understand why people would wish to support them, particularly when their own laptop designs start shipping. System76’s focus on North America and dependence on white box laptops hasn’t delivered as well in my opinion, at least for my needs.

System76 have tried hard to improve openness and repairability but their laptops are still disposable at end of life while Framework have made a huge leap with upgradability that has the potential to reduce ewaste and I want to see how far that model can be pushed.