This discussion revolves around a new vendor, NovaCustom, and how it compares to existing players in the "right to repair" and Linux-friendly laptop market, particularly Framework Laptop. Several key themes emerge:
Comparison to Framework Laptop
A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to comparing NovaCustom offerings with those of Framework Laptop. While NovaCustom is appreciated for its open-source firmware and Intel ME disabling, many users feel these features alone don't constitute a direct alternative to Framework's unique selling proposition, which includes a highly modular and repairable design.
- "This seems to have nothing similar to what Framework laptop offers." - necovek
- "The main (only?) selling point for NovaCustom is open source coreboot firmware and disabling of Intel ME. I'd like to see Framework laptop with these features, but those two features do not make a Framework alternative." - necovek
- "Don’t Frameworks ship with QMK now, allowing you to customize the entire keyboard at the hardware level?" - stavros
- "oh yes, they do" - horsellama
- "This really has no bearing to the framework laptop. Great project though!" - demarq
Hardware Design and Sourcing
The origin and design of the laptops are a point of discussion. Some users question whether NovaCustom, like System76 (for their laptops), relies on rebadged Clevo/Tongfang chassis, distinguishing them from Framework's in-house hardware design.
- "I don’t mean to minimize the company’s role in their offerings, but are these rebadged Clevo/Tongfang/etc laptops? There’s a place for those but that would make NovaCustom more comparable to system76 or Tuxedo than Framework, which designs their own hardware." - cosmic_cheese
- "As far as I know, for models currently on sale that applies only to their desktops (which are cool, but considerably more niche since people interested in desktops are likely to build their own), with their laptops being Clevos." - cosmic_cheese
- "I think system76 is now designing their own hardware too?" - Fire-Dragon-DoL
NVIDIA GPU and Linux Compatibility
The inclusion of NVIDIA GPUs in Linux systems is a contentious topic. While some users report positive experiences with NVIDIA on Linux for tasks like AI and gaming, others express skepticism due to historical driver issues.
- "NVIDIA, though? We are still a good few months, or years, away from attempting to seriously use NVIDIA and Linux in the same sentence without looking like a complete idiot." - zamalek
- "I am a customer of System76 several times over. I just purchased a laptop for my 15-year-old that runs Pop_OS and has an NVIDIA card, and he has been doing both AI on it as well as high-end gaming, all is zero assistance from me in getting things set up. I also worked on self-driving cars and maintained fleets of hundreds of machines with H100s, all running Ubuntu. I don’t feel like a complete idiot, but now you’re making me wonder. What’s your experience been?" - rpdillon
- "princevegeta89: I don't understand... what is the privacy concern with Framework Laptops? All hardware used is transparent and replacable. Software is the user's choice, and many users go for Linux. It is as transparent as you can make an OS to be. What am I missing here..?" - princevegeta89
- "yea I don’t like trying to ride the frame work tailwinds, but wow modern hardware with modern nvidia gpu that supports core boot and heads? The only thing missing is a stellar company reputation that inspires trust" - getcrunk
Open Source Firmware and Intel ME
The emphasis on open-source coreboot firmware and the disabling of Intel Management Engine (ME) are seen as significant positive aspects by some users, aligning with privacy and control desires.
- "The main (only?) selling point for NovaCustom is open source coreboot firmware and disabling of Intel ME." - necovek
- "Also it's officially certified to run Qubes OS." - fsflover
- "The problem is Intel Management Engine, which is disabled in NovaCustom." - fsflover
- "Using open boot and a neutered Intel ME is a good start but nothing too unique nowadays." - SlowTao
Customization and Keycaps
A quirky but appreciated feature for some is the ability to customize keycaps, beyond just the functional aspects like keyboard firmware.
- "finally a vendor that allows the customization of the super key" - horsellama
- "but I meant the actual sticker on the keycap (very silly requirement, I know)" - horsellama
- "Framework offers either a Windows logo or the Framework logo" - haiku2077
- "16s do, but not the 13s." - umbra07
Privacy Concerns and Marketing
The perception of privacy remains a key differentiator. While Framework is seen as transparent by some, others are skeptical, suggesting that privacy can be a marketing angle, especially if not paired with privacy-conscious software.
- "I don't understand... what is the privacy concern with Framework Laptops? All hardware used is transparent and replacable. Software is the user's choice, and many users go for Linux. It is as transparent as you can make an OS to be. What am I missing here..?" - princevegeta89
- "* puts on cynical hat * I suspect it is most just marketing. Privacy can help you sell even if it is no better than what a lot of people are doing. Using open boot and a neutered Intel ME is a good start but nothing too unique nowadays. Also at this point hardware privacy is all well and good but if you are going to dump stock Windows 11 on it, well it is called Windows for a reason, lets all your data out of one." - SlowTao
Hardware Specifications and Perceived Value
Concerns are raised about specific hardware choices, such as the amount of VRAM for AI tasks and the use of NVMe drives utilizing Host Memory Buffer (HMB) in premium-priced laptops.
- "A maximum of 8GB vRAM in 2025 is quite limiting. You can only run the smallest large language models on those laptops." - speedgoose
- "Yes I guess some could also be fine with a privacy focused mechanical typewriter. When Apple and AMD sell very descent laptop hardware (M4 or Ryzen AI Max), I find the Intel/Nvidia combo with only 8GB a bit conservative." - speedgoose
- "I’m confused how a premium priced laptop comes with an NVMe drive that uses host memory buffer (HMB) rather than having sufficient RAM on the drive. At Amazon, a better drive like a WD SN850x costs 25% less than the GOODRAM drive they include." - mgerdts