Does anyone have strong opinions on open source hardware? I’m finally at a point where I need to upgrade my laptop.
The Framework 16 pre-order is tempting. It’s a fascinating project. Even if it comes at premium due to the small scale of their operation, I’m happy to support the cause.
Alternatively, Sytem76/Clevo hardware has interested me for a long time (coreboot ftw). Based on the documentation current gens are super easy to repair.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
I think the current status-quo of devices like laptops is unsustainable. For example just because the CPU is a bit slow doesn’t mean the RAM, GPU (If Applicable), PSU, Motherboard, I/O Ports, Display, Speakers, Camera, Keyboard, Trackpad etc should go too. The way it’s currently done is so incredibly wasteful and peak capitalist (Hi Apple 🫠).
So I’m 100% on board with Framework’s goal and, if it is financially feasible, you should go with them. Software is infinite, hardware is not. But if Framework’s is a bit too steep then I’d go with someone like System76 just because I don’t want to fuel the fire of Big Tech.
Framework, all day, every day.
If they keep doing what they’re currently doing, the way they’re doing it, they’ll be the top choice for as long as they do.
Agreed. I can’t believe Thinkpads still get recommended to Linux users when Framework exists.
Second hand / off-lease ThinkPads can’t be beat on value. Brand new, for equivalent models however… You’re goddamn right.
They are still more expensive than used ThinkPads though, which is, I believe, what get’s recommended in linux groups
But for sure they’ll be my next pick for a computer
Unfortunately, we live in the reality in which an affordable laptop with open source (yet modern) hardware simply doesn’t exist. While the likes of Insurgo, NitroPad, NovaCustom, Purism, Star Labs, System76 and Tuxedo do commendable work on the software side of things; they still leave a lot to be desired as there is currently no laptop counterpart to what Raptor Computing Systems is able to achieve on the desktop.
Obviously I applaud Framework for what they’ve achieved for the “right to repair” and hope they’ll at least pave the way for what’s possible within the realm of open source hardware on laptops. Unfortunately, I’m a bit pessimistic as the way they’ve handled coreboot up till now has been far from desirable. But I’d love to be mistaken on this.
I have the Framework 12th gen DIY edition and I love it. I love not worrying that if I break any part of it, I won’t have to throw the whole thing away. I love that it adapts to what I need with the interchangeable expansion cards. I’ve had it for 6 months now and I still love using it. Definitely recommend.
Gaaaahhhh, I really wanted to hold out for my Framework 16 pre-order (it was batch 4 or something), but I cancelled and got the System76 Oryx Pro. I would have loved to have an all AMD 16" laptop from Framework, but unfortunately my old ThinkPad finally shit the bed today. I’m currently typing this out from my Steam Deck, so time became an issue 🤦 Hopefully Framework has a fully established foot in the market in 6-10 years when I have to go hunting again
I’ve really enjoyed using PINE64 products. I use the excellent Pinecil soldering iron which is fully open source. I used a PineTime smartwatch until I got it water damaged (rip) which was a ton of fun to use. I have a pair of PineBuds wireless earbuds (default firmware is not open because of proprietary ANC, but last time I checked this is being worked on). I can’t speak for their laptops or phones, but I can definitely recommend the devices I do use if you’re willing to get involved in the community to work through and fix some of the existing issues.
to be noticed. framework laptop still dont have coreboot support yet.
Modular =/= Open Source.
I wear my PineTime everyday. Best watch I’ve ever purchased. It doesn’t have too many bells and whistles but it tells me the time.
The lack of alarms/reminders that you can easily set from the app is the main deal breaker for me. I have individual alarms and reminders for different tasks, multiple in a day and different per day of the week (mi band/gadgetbridge). Pinetime right now only gets a total of ONE alarm, which you can only set by pressing some awkwardly designed UI on the watch. Sadly this is my only deal breaker.
I wear my bangle.js smartwatch daily. Even better than the pinetime, and tons of apps.
I might have to get one of those if my watch ever stops working
How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?
RISC-V is open specification for processor design, and some Cpus, like T-Head’s C910 are published designs. The Roma laptop uses a SoC based on that, though I don’t suppose it’s readily available. There’s also an SBC - the Lichee Pi 4A, and a tablet from Sipeed… But all these devices are cutting edge, and probably not for the general consumer quite yet.
I’d love for someone like system 76 or framework to make a RISC V laptop
Tbh, I think that’s the real next step. Some of these smaller user-oriented brands like S76, Star Labs, Framework, etc. will hopefully coordinate and start pushing ARM laptops a lot further. The power consumption benefits alone should be an excellent selling point.
Pine64 has a RISC V tablet
Wait really!? I need it
Just don’t expect a smooth user experience yet, its’ software is still very much WIP. Google hasn’t even finished RISC-V support in Android yet.
That doesn’t surprise me. Google probably won’t get that done until 2034
I just got my Starfive Visionfive2 this week, and yeah… not as easy to use a Raspberry Pi just yet.
IIRC the framework firmware is proprietary
https://frame.work/blog/open-sourcing-our-firmware
They are open sourcing their firmware
That good
Well, that was more than a year ago
but it just the ec part. bios is still the proprietary insyde bios
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I have a Galago from S76 and am very happy with it. I replaced the SSD a few months ago and found the service manual well written and easy to follow.
My next machine will probably be one of theirs too.
Just ordered the Oryx Pro. The repair documentation to replace the keyboard is 2 screws. By comparison, I had to replace the keyboard on an X1 Carbon at work last week and it required literally disassembling the entire thing. The entire board and the display had to come off.
The various Linux based suppliers I know are:
System 76 (but not here in Europe) Tuxedo (Germany based but ship worldwide) Starlabs (UK based)
Lenovo tends to work well with Linux.
Here’s a ZD net article listing some Windows laptops which should work with Linux: https://www.zdnet.com/google-amp/article/best-linux-laptop/
