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So several people asked me what I thought of the Framework laptops, since I kept bringing up the MNT Pocket Reform / MNT Reform Next recently.

Framework's laptops seem better than many other options on the market, but they don't excite me as much as MNT's stuff.

What MNT has going for it that Framework's doesn't:

- Actually open hardware
- Much, much more community oriented
- Designs feel oriented to long term view of repairable computing
- Built by a small shop of lovely queers

Now that said, MNT's stuff still requires "enthusiast" level care, participation. I think this is going to get better with the MNT Reform Next; each device has been more polished than the last.

But what I'm looking for is a "way forward" for computers people can own, participate in, feel a part of.

MNT's stuff feels like that to me, more than any other hardware company I've encountered. I really want them to succeed! I want this to be the future.

@Christine Lemmer-Webber

MNT looks really cool.  Thank you for making me aware!

- Actually open hardware


Can you say more about what this means and why Framework's hardware doesn't qualify?  I believe you, but don't have the knowledge and would love to hear more of your thoughts!
Christine Lemmer-Webber

@dynamic I don't believe Framework's laptops or boards are released with all the CAD files under open licenses, and MNT's are

@cwebber @dynamic Framework is repairable and modular but not open

@zzt Oh, I see. The actual paths on the circuit board itself aren't included, even if the basic diagrams are.

@zzt @noelle @cwebber @dynamic yes, that repo is mostly mechanical drawings and a few electrical interfaces. Enough for integration, not enough for reproduction.

@astraluma @noelle @cwebber @dynamic it’s a shame because I like the Framework, but half-measures like these are getting so common — it’s what pushed me away from considering a Prusa 3D printer, because I’d be paying the OSHW premium for something that’s not open source

@zzt @noelle @cwebber @dynamic Prusa stings because they moved from very open to more closed.

Framework is still a market-acceptable repairable laptop--MNT is an enthusiast laptop. Framework's work is still notable, even if it doesn't go as far as we'd like.

@astraluma @noelle @cwebber @dynamic I agree! that’s a very good summary of the situation.