TLDR in terms of repairability (where left to right means more repairable):
Macbook Air (soldered...everything)
... -> System76 (soldered RAM) -> Framework
Build quality:
FW13 (base) -> System76 Lemur Pro -> Macbook Air / FW13 Pro
Performance:
FW13 (base) -> System76 Lemur Pro / FW 13 Pro / Macbook Air
note: M silicon has higher single core, Intel chips have equiv GPU performance, but Macbook Air thermally throttles so it evens out I guess?
Fun factor:
Macbook Air -> System76 Lemur Pro (COSMIC is pretty fun, but otherwise unremarkable) -> Framework (super customisable!)
OS:
Macbook Air ships with MacOS, can run Asahi Linux for M1/M2
System76 Lemur Pro ships with Pop! OS or Ubuntu, and you will directly support Linux development
Framework can ship with no OS (only for DIY), Ubuntu (only for prebuilt), or Windows (ew)
So in my opinion, Macbook Air -> Framework -> System76 for OS
Battery life:
FW13 (base)
... -> System76 Lemur Pro -> FW13 Pro / Macbook Air
Other differentiating factors:
- upgradeable parts + interchangeable ports (Framework)
- you can even go from base 13 to the 13 Pro!
- supporting Linux development (System76)
- half eaten Apple picture on your laptop lid that, for many people, will get covered up with stickers anyways (Macbook Air)
- no fan, very hot (Macbook Air)
- colour options:
- FW 13 (base): silver, customisable bezel colour
- FW13 Pro: silver/black, customisable bezel colour
- System76 Lemur Pro: black
- Macbook Air: silver, yellowy silver, blueish black (barely blue silver was introduced with newest chips)