Framework Laptop 12th Gen Intel

I've been running my 12th Gen Intel Framework for just over a year (since I got it) with Linux (KDE Neon). Bluetooth, expansion cards, thunderbolt, wifi - literally no issues. I haven't even had to fiddle with it. I use it all day for work (software engineering - lots of VM's and browser tabs) and all evening for Minecraft and movies. When I'm at my desk at home it's plugged in to a Thunderbolt 4 dock driving two monitors and getting Gigabit network speed. Before that I had a brand new Dell XPS 13, which again I had for a little over a year, running KDE Neon. It wasn't used for work as much, but again it worked perfectly fine, including the touch screen I didn't even want on it (okay- a major issue was the battery life, which was atrocious). Neither of these even came with Linux installed.

I was on a Macbook Pro (multiple models for many years) and jumped to the 12th gen intel framework. It is fantastic laptop, just showing its age a bit (mostly battery life as I still have the smaller battery and 12th gen intel wasn't that great for battery). I upgraded the screen and speakers, nothing else really needed changing throughout the years. I was so tired of the bad docker performance on macOS that I went to a framework with Linux. Linux on a laptop (Fedora/Gnome specifically) worked so much better than I expected too. I'm hopeful I can pre-order this new model as well.

I love my 13" Framework (12th Gen Intel) - Running Nix btw, but I am rarely on battery so can't comment there. Over the years, I've also looked at the Dell XPS 13 developer edition and the Purism. There was a system 76 model I was looking at too, but went with the Framework I had a 2012 retina MB pro and it was (so far) probably the best machine I've ever owned, but I use an m2 MB pro for work and I would not buy one for myself.

It's the best laptop I've ever owned (I have the 12th gen Intel model). It's fast, has a great keyboard/trackpad with full gesture support (Fedora GNOME), and sleep works reliably! Battery life isn't a huge factor for me, but if it is for you it's worth considering other devices. I get 4hrs tops, though I think 13th gen and AMD models do better.

The smallest 12th gen intel here. Yes, the fan is annoying. Reviews seem to suggest the 12th gen intel is the worst of the offerings, but overall I still like the laptop. Switching power modes (in windows, haven't ran linux on it yet) does wonders for the fan, but can also destroy certain workloads. I often run DJ software and I can't use Rekordbox in eco modes. Have to be in ballanced or performance. Note that none of this is surprising. DJ software is not lightweight. With it running fan spin is painful in performance mode, but doesn't bother me in balanced. I can't use some of the more power hungry features in Rekordbox without fan noise issues. Stem separation for example (newer features that separate vocals, drums, melody etc). I never expected to, those need beefy laptops, and I went for the weakest model (for unrelated reasons). It works in performance mode but the fan is really killing me. Yes. I know most people are unfamiliar with DJ software, but it's the best example I have. And yes, since we're talking DJ software, the music obviously overpowers the fans when there are speakers and a crowd around. I notice the fans at home when practicing.

sounds like a good time to switch over to the framework chromebooks ( https://frame.work/products/laptop-chromebook-12-gen-intel ) sure they cost more but you can upgrade them en masse and replace components and screens. dunno how the math works out for cost savings vs cheap disposable devices but at least you'll have less E-waste.