Has Framework matched premium laptops’ standards?
Whenever we assess a Framework laptop, we encounter consistent pros and cons. They’re truly upgradeable and very repairable, but we often hope for longer battery life and superior build quality.
Now, Framework introduces a potential solution: the Framework Laptop 13 Pro.
Marking a first for Framework, this laptop is crafted entirely from 6000-series aluminum blocks. It also debuts with a haptic trackpad and a custom 13.5-inch, 3:2, 2.8K IPS screen with a variable refresh rate (30-120Hz) that’s calibrated for color from the start.
Framework aims for this device to be “the MacBook Pro for Linux users,” according to CEO Nirav Patel. Available in anodized black, as well as silver, it certainly looks the part.
It includes a 22% larger battery (74Wh), an Intel Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” chip, and LPCAMM2 memory, claiming it can outperform the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro in streaming 4K Netflix for 20 hours continuously.
The 13 Pro is Framework’s first 13-inch laptop featuring a touchscreen, PCIe 5.0 for up to 8TB of SSD storage, and Dolby Atmos certification for its new side-firing speakers. We’re expecting an improvement over the previous model’s “mid at best” speakers.
Unlike MacBooks, this laptop allows easy replacement of M.2 2280 storage and RAM, provided LPCAMM2 modules are accessible post-RAM shortage.
Framework plans to offer 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB modules through its marketplace, working with memory suppliers to ensure availability.
For modular gadget enthusiasts, a major draw is the compatibility with the existing Framework Laptop 13. The Pro model maintains the same dimensions, slightly heavier at 1.4kg (3.08lb) vs. 1.3kg (2.86lbs). Users can upgrade components individually or adopt the new chassis or battery.
Component prices weren’t available at publication, but considering current RAM costs, non-RAM upgrades might be appealing. The Laptop 13 Pro also supports AMD Ryzen AI 300 boards.
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is priced higher than previous models, starting at $1,499 for prebuilt, or $1,199 for DIY configurations.
Though $400 more considering the new features like a 100W GaN charger and a 120Hz screen, it’s positioned as a “developer laptop,” rather than catering solely to visual designers.
Preorders for the Laptop 13 Pro start today on the Framework website, with shipping in June. The lineup includes Core Ultra X7 and X9 options for enhanced GPU performance in gaming. Hands-on impressions from Framework’s event are upcoming.