Linux Version of Framework's Laptop 13 Pro is Outselling Its Windows Variant (pcworld.com)
- Reference: 0182954306
- News link: https://linux.slashdot.org/story/26/04/26/184253/linux-version-of-frameworks-laptop-13-pro-is-outselling-its-windows-variant
- Source link: https://www.pcworld.com/article/3123900/framework-new-linux-laptop-is-selling-faster-than-its-windows-one.html
> [I]t's selling quickly by Framework's internal metrics, with six batches of the Intel version of the laptop already sold out. [A later Framework [3]social media post added "Spoke too soon, we're onto Batch 8."]
>
> "Also nice validation of our approach, the Ubuntu configurations are [4]outselling the Windows ones !"
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> That's not really surprising, for a few reasons. One, if you're buying a Framework laptop, you have a good reason to order it without an OS, even if you want Windows 11. It's easy to get it free or cheap elsewhere. (Framework says it's [5]not counting the "None (bring your own)" option in these Ubuntu numbers.) Two, there are precious few places to order a new laptop with any kind of Linux pre-loaded — you've got Framework, a few smaller vendors like System76 and Slimbook, and a few models from Dell. Lenovo sold Ubuntu-loaded laptops at one point, but I can't find any on the site right now...
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> Perhaps it doesn't hurt that Microsoft and Windows are [6]currently on a bit of an apology tour . After a couple of years of pushing hard on "AI" features that no one wants — not even the people who do want "AI" want the Copilot flavor — Microsoft is pulling back its integration into everything and now promising features that Windows has been missing ever since Windows 10.
Framework also reports that:
More than one third of purchasers say they're [7]replacing a MacBook Pro , "and almost all of them are switching to Linux (based on our optional post-purchase survey)."
"Also in interesting sales data, the [8]Gray/Black keyboard is vastly outselling the traditional Black one!"
[1] https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/26/04/21/2019256/framework-laptop-13-pro-is-a-major-overhaul-for-the-modular-upgradeable-laptop
[2] https://www.pcworld.com/article/3123900/framework-new-linux-laptop-is-selling-faster-than-its-windows-one.html
[3] https://xcancel.com/FrameworkPuter/status/2047444175029928219#m
[4] https://xcancel.com/FrameworkPuter/status/2047343510639325260
[5] https://xcancel.com/FrameworkPuter/status/2047354634977869970#m
[6] https://www.pcworld.com/article/3089661/report-microsoft-rethinks-ai-ambitions-in-windows-11-after-pushback.html
[7] https://xcancel.com/FrameworkPuter/status/2047796532305596824#m
[8] https://xcancel.com/FrameworkPuter/status/2047785933689499668#m
Microsoft is an American company (Score:2, Troll)
And America can no longer be trusted. Europe is trying to come off of Windows.
Windows is a critical part of the world's basic infrastructure. If for example Microsoft sent a kill signal to every single Windows computer in Europe at the behest of the US government it would cause massive economic disruptions. Yeah the power plants in the water treatment facilities wouldn't be affected however it would cause massive devastation to financial markets and businesses in general that rely on Windows computers t
Re: (Score:2)
Framework is a US company. Major Linux dists are made by US companies. Besides that, a "kill switch" is a very blunt weapon when it makes more sense to leave adversary computers running and gather information, or degrade what they're trying to do in a targeted sneaky way.
It would be a good thing to be rid of Windows if only to limit the attack surface but it's a LONG process and it requires Europe to invest in open source products, and rivals to US hardware & software suppliers including in the cloud.
Re: (Score:2)
> Major Linux dists are made by US companies.
SuSE is probaby the biggest after RedHat (2000 employees), Canonical the best known, Manjaro/Mint some the most popular, Qubes/NixOS some secure options, there's also Zorin. That's more than enough made in Europe to not depend on foreign tech for the OS.
Re: (Score:2)
>> Major Linux dists are made by US companies.
> SuSE is probaby the biggest after RedHat (2000 employees), Canonical the best known, Manjaro/Mint some the most popular, Qubes/NixOS some secure options, there's also Zorin. That's more than enough made in Europe to not depend on foreign tech for the OS.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but Ubuntu, Zorin & Mint depend onSebian, and the non-rpofit under wich debian operates is based in the state of New York (USoA). I.e. the USoA could significantly disrupt Debian if needed be, and while Debian's developement is distributed, in the short and median term, that disruption would throw a massive spanner in the works.
NixOS is Dutch, so, like Suse, is safer. Cant find info on Arch (on which Manjaro is based).
Having said that, please rmeeber that many of the packaga
Re: (Score:2)
> And America can no longer be trusted. Europe is trying to come off of Windows.
That is true, but is also true that Linux is VERY americanized. For starters, most Kernel Plumbers are either fully USoAn and/or based in the USoA. Then most of the Projects/packages that, along with the Kernel compose a Linux distro, are based in the USoA. And then most of the distros themselves are based on the USoA.
Let's use Distros as an example:
Canonical (the makers of Ubuntu) are British, while ZorinOS and Linux Mint are based in Ireland, but, guess what? Mint and Zorin are based on Ubuntu, while Ubun
First time they've offered Ubuntu preinstalled (Score:2)
Maybe it would ALWAYS sell more then Windows if it was offered on their prebuilt setups.
Here's hoping they offer it on more of them.
The gray/black keyboard has no numpad (Score:2)
So, are these actually intended for serious use? Who buys keyboards without numpads, except for the retro kiddies with their custom mechanical keyboards?
Re: (Score:2)
No 13" laptop has a numpad. They are not wide enough to fit one beside the main keyboard.
If you want a numpad, you could get a Framework 16".
But unlike every other 16" laptop, Framework's numpad is an option: you could choose between having a numpad, and having spacers on the sides of the main keyboard.
Or you could get both options and switch when you like.
How about... (Score:2)
...posting some benchmarks?
Never run Windows on bare metal! (Score:3)
Linux as host OS is the way.
I think that if you are going to run MS Windows at all, then you should run it in a virtual machine that supports snapshots.
Then, if you'd get a bad Windows Update -- which MS has had a tendency to push out much too often lately -- then you would be able to roll back your Windows installation to a previous snapshot instead of getting a bricked computer.
Your data should also never be on the C: drive, for the same reason.
Wipe (Score:2)
> "Framework says it's not counting the "None (bring your own)" option in these Ubuntu numbers."
I run nothing but Linux on all my hundreds of machines, including all my personal ones, and have for decades. For personal laptops, my preference has been ThinkPads for quite a while. I don't care what it comes with, it is going to get wiped and replaced with Linux immediately. No dual boot. I will buy whatever OS option for it that is least expensive (MS-Windows, whatever Linux, or no OS).
If I were in the
Re: (Score:2)
In the same boat, except probably only 2 dozen machines if I count my pi's and beagle bones. After I retired my sun boxes in the aught's, all Linux.
Shocking Absolutely No One Of Vague Intelligence (Score:2)
Let's face it. There are very few people buying Framework Laptops. The Framework Laptop is a "weird" niche product appealing to an even weirder niche demographic. That the weirdos choose Linux is a surprise to no one.
Meanwhile, when Dell puts Ubuntu on its laptops Linux sales are abysmal.
Of course it is. It's cheaper. (Score:3)
Save $100 bucks. Use a cheap Windows serial bought online, or install a cracked version of Windows with much of the BS removed. Relatively few are actually going to run Linux primarily.
Re: (Score:2)
I honestly think Windows 11 is worse than Manjaro with KDE for most use cases, including novice and intermediate use. Honestly if Linux isn't there for you yet, buy a Mac mini. Windows is currently the operating system most likely to change things, to break things, to render itself unusable. Windows has been LOSING functionality, everyone else has been gaining it.
Re: (Score:2)
Windows has certainly been getting worse for at least a year. Windows 10 was great. Windows 11 was fine at first. However, as a regular user of Ubuntu for a device that is Ubuntu specific, I think that the Linux desktop is still a mess. I regularly have to go to the command line, and so much software just doesn't work. I'll pretty much need a Codex account to get it to function.
Re: (Score:1)
I mentioned Manjaro with KDE specifically because I do not think Ubuntu's default ways of doing things are a good match for someone who used to like Windows. I do not know if it would solve some or any of a given person's problems with compatibility and usability, but I feel it is more like Windows was supposed to become than Windows itself currently is. The basic, elemental usability of the platform I unironically think is better than Windows right now. It gives a very Windows 7 pro power user vibe to me.
Re: (Score:3)
This is a relatively spendy laptop we're talking about here. If you really wanted to run Windows, going with a laptop from a different manufacturer would save you even more money. That's always kind of been the irony of the so-called "Windows tax", skipping Windows really only works in your favor when you're buying individual desktop components. When it comes to prebuilt machines though, unless you're dead-set on a specific brand, it's often cheaper to just buy something that already has Windows preinsta
Re: (Score:2)
You're right about it not being a money saver overall, but if you're going to get a Framework laptop, choosing without Windows is a money saver there. I love the idea of Framework, but none of their products are compelling. I looked at their laptop a couple years ago then bought a Dell that cost more but is much nicer (4k, touch, lighter). I looked at their Strix Halo and bought a GB10 (faster, scalable).
Re: (Score:2)
I suspect not. I was a die hard windows user up till about a year ago. Win 10/11 killed windows for me too much bloat, ads, and AI being rammed down our throats. I switched to Linux Mint and haven't looked back.
Re: (Score:2)
I've tried Linux on and off for about 25 years. Still not loving it. Skilled Linux users I know? Similar complaints about the difficulty in setting up difficult software. Windows is still my go to. Mac, well, I wish they had a touch screen.
Re: (Score:2)
I'd call Win10/11 and Linux at least Mint on a level ground as far as minor issues. I tolerated Win10, When I saw and used Win11 I was done. Win7 was the last Windows that Microsoft got right. They should go back to that code base and try again.
Re: (Score:2)
> "Save $100 bucks. Use a cheap Windows serial bought online, or install a cracked version of Windows with much of the BS removed."
Or save your sanity, privacy, and security and install only Linux on it for $0.
> "Relatively few are actually going to run Linux primarily."
And you know this how?