Macbook Replacement

[Phoenix864]

My M1 Macbook Air has started showing its age when running heavier workloads and I've been looking at moving up to something beefier. While it's able to stretch 8gb of RAM impressively far, 8gb is still 8gb. I've been considering a M3/M4 Pro or a Framework 13 to replace it (finding something lightly used or on sale). I use a fair number of VMs/Docker containers (often emulating x86), often have multiple IDE windows connected to said VMs/containers, and do a fair bit of code compilation. It's also nice to have decent battery life and a good keyboard.

 

Framework has struck me as an interesting x86 alternative - less RAM and battery efficient, but RAM and storage is SO much cheaper and is upgradable. Plus I can run x86 natively and don't have to deal with MacOS. I'm not otherwise in the Apple ecosystem and have come to tolerate MacOS more than enjoy using it.

 

With the Framework, I'm rather worried about the quality of the trackpad/overall build compared to the Macbook. While I dislike Apple's software, their hardware is excellent and I think I'd be disappointed taking a major downgrade to the trackpad/overall build. From the casual interactions I've had with Framework laptops, they struck me as closer to budget windows laptops rather than a premium option.

 

Is there anything else on the non-Apple side that I should seriously investigate? I'd want something that's at least mildly repairable - say swapping RAM/storage/battery without too much hassle.

[another_user]

With non-Apple notebooks, I have always been satisfied with the current Lenovo Thinkpad models (T series). In my experience, they are also easy to repair, although this certainly depends on the model generation.

[Hideki Ryuga]

I can speak on this topic having used an m1 macbook, now m4 macbook, and a long time framework owner.

 

Comparatively the framework is good, but not as good as Apple's hardware. This isn't framework's problem, it's just that apple silicon is just a lot better than what intel/amd offer. The only advantage is in graphics where dedicated graphics is really good. Current hardware offers two choices: comparable performance to apple silicon, or comparable battery life, but not both.

 

On 6/28/2025 at 3:24 AM, Phoenix864 said:

With the Framework, I'm rather worried about the quality of the trackpad/overall build compared to the Macbook. While I dislike Apple's software, their hardware is excellent and I think I'd be disappointed taking a major downgrade to the trackpad/overall build. From the casual interactions I've had with Framework laptops, they struck me as closer to budget windows laptops rather than a premium option.

It's not a major downgrade, it's a minor downgrade. Especially with the 2.4k screen. The build quality is a step down sort of but I still like the way it feels and the trackpad is decent. It's not apple quality, imo, nothing is, but it is honestly not bad at all.

 

If you want to use windows or especially linux and have a repairable upgradeable device, then framework is definitely not a bad option. You can even get a used one for ~$1k.

[Phoenix864]

On 6/30/2025 at 10:57 PM, Hideki Ryuga said:

I can speak on this topic having used an m1 macbook, now m4 macbook, and a long time framework owner.

 

Comparatively the framework is good, but not as good as Apple's hardware. This isn't framework's problem, it's just that apple silicon is just a lot better than what intel/amd offer. The only advantage is in graphics where dedicated graphics is really good. Current hardware offers two choices: comparable performance to apple silicon, or comparable battery life, but not both.

 

It's not a major downgrade, it's a minor downgrade. Especially with the 2.4k screen. The build quality is a step down sort of but I still like the way it feels and the trackpad is decent. It's not apple quality, imo, nothing is, but it is honestly not bad at all.

 

If you want to use windows or especially linux and have a repairable upgradeable device, then framework is definitely not a bad option. You can even get a used one for ~$1k.

Dropped by Best Buy to get hands-on with a couple laptops - as much as I dislike Apple, I was really impressed with the M4 Macbook Pro. Lovely touchpad, lovely screen, good keyboard, really the complete package. M4 Pro will be plenty powerful while offering exceptional battery life. Plus $1800 for a M4 Pro w/ 24gb/512gb is pretty reasonably priced compared to the competition.

 

But I still love the idea of being able to swap the motherboard in a couple of years for a new chip/add RAM down the line/increase storage/etc. Plus the rumored Macbook Pro redesign next year makes me feel some FOMO if I buy in right now. I really like how Framework seems to allow you to buy-in to any upgrades down the line a la carte.

 

For an AI 300 FW with the 2.8k screen and modules I'm pretty much at the same price as the M4 Pro Macbook Pro, which is a little tough to stomach. Comparing Apple's trackpads to the hinged trackpads on some of the windows machines, I find the hinged pads near-painful to use. The hinged trackpad on the FW is probably my largest sticking point.

 

But with the mac:

• Still dislike MacOS.
• Gaming seems to be pretty much out of the picture. I can't get my Xbox controller working on my M1 and have no confidence that it will work on other Macs.
• x86 emulation vs running native.

[Commodus]

9 minutes ago, Phoenix864 said:

But I still love the idea of being able to swap the motherboard in a couple of years for a new chip/add RAM down the line/increase storage/etc. Plus the rumored Macbook Pro redesign next year makes me feel some FOMO if I buy in right now. I really like how Framework seems to allow you to buy-in to any upgrades down the line a la carte.

The concern is whether or not it'll work out in practice. It's a bet not just that Framework will still be around, but that a new board will be available and compatible with your chassis without hiccups (say, excess heat/power draw). It also locks you in to Framework if you're determined to save money versus replacing your laptop.

 

FOMO is a concern, but if you like Apple's design now, you'll probably still like it after the new system arrives. That and you can let first-gen buyers deal with possible hiccups.

 

Gaming is getting better on the Mac, but it's definitely not a reason to get one. You'll get major titles like Death Stranding 2 and Cyberpunk plus cool indies like Balatro, but you'll still be sitting on the sidelines while Hot New Game X ships for Windows first (or Windows only).

[Phoenix864]

5 hours ago, Commodus said:

The concern is whether or not it'll work out in practice. It's a bet not just that Framework will still be around, but that a new board will be available and compatible with your chassis without hiccups (say, excess heat/power draw). It also locks you in to Framework if you're determined to save money versus replacing your laptop.

 

FOMO is a concern, but if you like Apple's design now, you'll probably still like it after the new system arrives. That and you can let first-gen buyers deal with possible hiccups.

 

Gaming is getting better on the Mac, but it's definitely not a reason to get one. You'll get major titles like Death Stranding 2 and Cyberpunk plus cool indies like Balatro, but you'll still be sitting on the sidelines while Hot New Game X ships for Windows first (or Windows only).

If sales further drop the price on the M4 Pro to ~$1600 brand new, that'll be a tough deal to beat. A Best Buy employee told me their 'back to school' sales will likely start around the end of July/early August and will likely be the most aggressive for the year. Definitely going to carefully watch the pricing for the M4 Pro.

 

I don't do much gaming on my laptop - I've got a full-size desktop for anything serious, but if I'm traveling I like being able to fire up a twin-stick indy with my Xbox controller. Dead Cells, Streets of Rouge, Enter the Gungeon, etc. But I can no longer get games to recognize my Xbox controller on the Mac (even when plugged in with USB). I've not been able to fix it, and have zero confidence in not having more random, infuriating issues with future Macs and controllers. 

 

The whole 'it just works' mentality just infuriates me since it in fact doesn't 'just work' fairly often, and fixing it in those cases is incredibly painful.