framework Buying into Framework before tariffs

[Zephyrmoth]

I'm wanting to upgrade my laptop from my pandemic stopgap (lowest tier M1 MBA) to either a MBP 14 or switching back to Linux with a Framework 13. I work in software development and have familiarity with both operating systems.

 

Not to get into skub, but laptop prices are most likely going to jump significantly if the proposed tariffs go through so I likely cannot wait indefinitely. This puts Framework in an interesting spot for me-

On the one hand, piecemeal upgrades or replacements is almost certainly going to be a cost savings down the line, esp compared to buying a completely new laptop.

On the other, this is entirely dependent on a still relatively company being able to persist through a hostile economic environment when it does not operate at similar economies of scale as major manufacturers; losing the creature comforts of MacOS (good screens, M-series battery life, better commercial software compatability) feels questionable if I buy into a potentially doomed startup.

 

I'm curious about other people's thoughts on this- I like a lot of what Framework is doing and it will still be cheaper than an equivalently specced Mac, but given I'm going to likely be stuck with it for the next 4 years I don't really want to run into too many hard edges.

[BillBill]

1 hour ago, Zephyrmoth said:

I'm wanting to upgrade my laptop from my pandemic stopgap (lowest tier M1 MBA) to either a MBP 14 or switching back to Linux with a Framework 13. I work in software development and have familiarity with both operating systems.

 

Not to get into skub, but laptop prices are most likely going to jump significantly if the proposed tariffs go through so I likely cannot wait indefinitely. This puts Framework in an interesting spot for me-

On the one hand, piecemeal upgrades or replacements is almost certainly going to be a cost savings down the line, esp compared to buying a completely new laptop.

On the other, this is entirely dependent on a still relatively company being able to persist through a hostile economic environment when it does not operate at similar economies of scale as major manufacturers; losing the creature comforts of MacOS (good screens, M-series battery life, better commercial software compatability) feels questionable if I buy into a potentially doomed startup.

 

I'm curious about other people's thoughts on this- I like a lot of what Framework is doing and it will still be cheaper than an equivalently specced Mac, but given I'm going to likely be stuck with it for the next 4 years I don't really want to run into too many hard edges.

Tariffs are set to go up January 1 2025 and January 1 2026. As for other tariffs changing maybe June or July 2025 

[Tridefender]

9 hours ago, Zephyrmoth said:

good screens

It really depends on your budget, but indeed most windows business/light laptops uses crap screens, like 250 nits and/or 45%ntsc. But if you want to upgrade it you can always throw in more bucks and get oled replacements. I see some 13.3 inch oled screens but yeah it's not available to all screen sizes