When comparing Librem 15 vs Framework Laptop, the Slant community recommends Librem 15 for most people. In the question“What are the best laptops for Linux?” Librem 15 is ranked 9th while Framework Laptop is ranked 12th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Optional physical kill switches for microphone/camera and wireless/bluetooth
Pro Built with security in mind starting from each chip placed onto the motherboard
Pro Good connectivity
3 USB 3.0 (one being type C) and 2 USB 2.0 with the HDMI feels very nice to have on such a lightweight laptop. Sadly no Ethernet port, otherwise it would have been perfect.
Pro Good keyboard
Keyboards are usually bad on laptops, companies reusing small version ones on bigger size laptop with big paddings. Purism managed a good quality and use every bit of space to get a keyboard that feels good to use.
Pro Runs privacy focused software
Librem runs PureOS, a privacy focused operating system, and runs software that respects your rights.
Pro Highly configurable
Pro Windows pre-installed option
If you want Windows you can buy the license during checkout and it will come pre-installed. This makes for a larger customer base to keep the company sustainable, and means you don't have to pay for a license to a product you won't use.
Pro DIY edition for fun, saving money
The DIY edition means you add some components yourself and is saves you several hundred dollars.
Pro Instructions for multiple linux distros
see the Support Forum
Pro Marketplace for spare parts
You can get additional or replacement parts easily.
Pro Right-to-Repair is a first class citizen
Started from a right-to-repair philosophy. This has also helped with resiliency against global supply chain issues.
Cons
Con It's quite expensive
You'll be paying a higher price for Purism's commitment to secure, privacy, and freedom respecting electronics.
Con Wifi is weak
Any other laptop or smartphone will have better signal than the Librem 15. Having a strong signal is very rare (you need to be in the same room within 10m of the router), it is still working but a Ethernet port as back-up would have been very much appreciated. This is probably due to the FOSS constraint for the hardware.
Con Speakers are bad
The sound feels really wrong, the trebles are way too high and there is no bass.
Con Touchpad not centered
Touchpad is not centered due to addition of little used numeric keypad keys on the right.
Con New company
The company still has to be around to get replacement parts.
