Have been keeping half an eye on framework laptops as a potential next daily driver as and when I’m ready for one.

Just wondering what people’s experience of using them on linux has been, particularly nixos

I’m assuming all the drivers are in the kernel given the way the company is

Have been using a 2016 thinkpad for the past year or so and have had a decent experience with it, with the way lenovo have gone with their newer thinkpads it seems like framework is now the best for maintainability/upgradability

(not planning to upgrade in the immediate future as this machine is doing fine, but frameworks are a strong contender in my mind right now and I’m curious as to people’s experience)

  • Dekkia
    1•2 months ago

    I have a 11th gen Intel Framework 13 running PopOS.

    Everything is fine except the bug feature with the rechargeable CHMOS battery. On my model it only charges when the laptop is charging. (They changed that behavior in all later model afaik)

    Since I use my laptop only sporadically I can’t just pick it up and use it right away because that battery is always empty. When it’s empty the power button doesn’t work even when the main battery is fully charged.

      • Dekkia
        1•1 month ago

        It’s a coin-cell battery. Traditionally it was used to keep the memory that stores the bios-settings and the real-time-clock powered when the PC was turned off.

        By now the bios settings are stored ona different kind of memory, so it doesn’t need power when turned off.

        But the rtc still needs power when the laptop is off as well as other stuff (for example the circuitry that makes the power-button work)

        In the framework it’s also rechargeable, so you can’t just swap it for a cheap one from the store once it runs out.

        • @[email protected]OP
          1•1 month ago

          I mean that seems like a better way to do it, I’m assuming these things last for years by the fact I’ve never had to replace one or even know about it

          How is it only charging when plugged in an issue if it lasts longer than the laptop’s own battery

          I guess if you don’t use it for long enough it depletes while powered off

          • Dekkia
            2•1 month ago

            The battery lasts about a mont in that laptop and gets worse quickly over time when not regularly charged.

            I’m not sure if the short runtime is caused by the design-decision of using a rechargeable battery or a big power-draw from it.

            For me this is also the first laptop that ever had an issue like that. Even my decade old thinkpad is still on its first CMOS battery.