My old xps13 is old in the tooth and the new ones have some things I don’t like. So I am after recommendations. My preferences

  • Linux (Ubuntu/Debian friendly). Happy to wipe and install and will check compatibility beforehand but if anyone has a Linux daily driver they love let me know
  • good CPU and decent RAM (32gb would be nice)
  • Lightweight - smaller preferred (currently on a 13" and happy)
  • Touchscreen would be nice
  • Usb-c
  • Decent battery life

I have access to other machines for heavy GPU stuff that’s not as important as CPU and RAM.

Uses:

  • Programming/terminal use
  • Reading docs and papers
  • Watching movies etc
  • No gaming

That’s my wishlist. What do you suggest, Aussie tech friends?

  • imoldgreeeg@aussie.zoneOP
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    8 months ago

    Oh thanks so much for this info. It’s hard to find someone using the framework in the wild for a real opinion. That’s so helpful

    • mranachi@aussie.zone
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      8 months ago

      There’s a few of us. I’ve been daily driving framework 13 Intel 12th gen over a year for work running fedora. It replaced a Microsoft surface who’s battery life had died in 3 years (warranty replacement).

      Really enjoyed using it tbh, and happy with having a clear upgrade pathway (I’ll probably wait till the next 13 inch main boards get released). I love the idea of being able to change my i/o around, but realistically is just allowed my to settle on what I actually want. Turns out to be 2xusbC, microSD and usbA. If there ever is a mobile sim I’d get that, also am rs232.

      It’s not perfect though, and you pay more and give up some polish to get the modularity.

      Battery life is middling but workable. Short story is I am concious of keeping it charged. Depending on the workload I can get to 6hrs, but that’s really it. I never goto work without my charger, I also have taken to carrying a power brick in my backpack to cover the few times I’ve run it down and want to work on the train.

      Video and microphone are not great, but usable. Most issues have been using linux in a Microsoft work environment related.

      Speakers needed an easy effects re balance to be usable for video calls with anything but minor background noise.

      My display port 2 adaptor died, as have many other users.

      Screen wobbles more than I’d like, but not enough to get the upgraded hinges.

      It’s fairly loud when the fans spin up, but I’m normally doing something to upset it. Either working on a soft surface obstructing air flow or running a heavy work load.

      • imoldgreeeg@aussie.zoneOP
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        8 months ago

        Thanks heaps. I am leaning towards this I think. I can handle clunkiness and I am used to carrying a power brick because my xps drains fast if I load up the CPU which happens a lot now days. I did momentarily consider a MacBook but I have reached a place where I can have Linux for work and I don’t want to go back.

        I am annoyed that I have a perfectly serviceable laptop chassis and I can’t upgrade parts. So I have a soft spot for the idea of the framework. At least I have afew good ideas for research to keep me occupied this weekend