- Framework's new Laptop 13 Pro is available for pre-order
- It's designed like a MacBook Pro running Linux, with a premium on power efficiency.
- There are some major updates, including a new touchscreen, and they are designed to be backward compatible with existing Framework laptops.
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Framework has a new laptop aimed at power users, which is designed to be the equivalent of a MacBook Pro running Linux.
This is the Framework Laptop 13 Pro, and it builds on the company's typical sustainability-based principles, while also being defined by a firm focus on energy efficiency (and better battery life).
In a blog post introducing the laptop, Framework founder and CEO Nirav Patel said: “Our internal message when we launched this product was to build the 'MacBook Pro for Linux users'. We wanted to show that you can have a refined, robust, high-performance computer that still respects your rights through repairability, upgradability, and the power to choose the software you want to run on it.”
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There's a choice of Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) processors under the hood, which are a big jump in terms of efficiency for Team Blue, going all the way up to the Core Ultra X9 388H, although you can also opt for a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 to power this laptop.
There's an all-new version of a power-optimized display, along with a haptic touchpad and an aluminum chassis.
Framework has opted for LPCAMM2 for laptop RAM, a new standard that allows low-power LPDDR5X memory to be used here in an upgradeable form. (So you can swap in new RAM later, which is obviously important if you intend to buy more memory in the future – a distinct possibility given the RAM crisis.)
In addition to the CPU and memory, another piece of the energy efficiency puzzle is the display.
This is a custom-built 13.5-inch touchscreen, Framework notes, although it maintains the 2880 x 1920 (3:2) resolution that's great for coding and text. However, it's been updated with better color calibration, a 1800:1 contrast ratio, up to 700 nits of brightness, and an anti-glare matte polarizer (for better readability in brighter conditions).
Additionally, an LTPS backplate for the LCD screen means greater power efficiency, and power consumption will also be kept low thanks to variable refresh rate technology, which can go down to 30Hz when appropriate (with static content on screen; the maximum refresh rate is 120Hz).
A larger 74Wh battery, which is 22% more robust than the last-gen model (and features a higher level of energy density), is also found within the Framework Laptop 13 Pro. This provides over 20 hours of battery life for 4K Netflix streaming. Framework boasts that this is “not only 12 hours longer than the previous generation Framework Laptop 13, but it's actually slightly longer than a 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro.”
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is available for pre-order now (shipping in June in the US or July in the UK) and you can have a pre-built laptop with Ubuntu pre-installed as a fully certified and supported operating system (or you can have Windows 11 if you prefer).
There is also the DIY edition of the laptop, where you build it yourself and provide your own operating system. These start from $1,199/£1,199, while the pre-made ones start at $1,499 in the US, but are a little more expensive in the UK, starting at £2,099. It is also available in Australia and Europe, with prices in USD.
Analysis: upgradability and energy efficiency galore
It's great to see a new laptop from Framework that goes even further in terms of environmental friendliness, not only with the upgradeable nature of the device and the ease of repairs (to keep the device running for a longer lifespan), but also with the push for a more refined level of power consumption. It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into the design in this regard, particularly the screen, which has been built from scratch by Framework, it's worth noting.
The long battery life offered by this new level of efficiency is clearly a benefit for any laptop owner who needs to spend a long period of time away from a power outlet, although naturally we must season the longevity claims.
Framework acknowledges this, stating on its blog: “We know that device manufacturers' battery life claims are often false, which is why we will be posting full videos and configuration descriptions of each of our battery life test cases on Framework's YouTube channel over the coming months.”
So there's a level of confidence in these battery longevity claims, which is good to hear.
It's commendable that the thought processes around the design of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro extend to existing devices. The laptop maker says the new motherboard and display kit for this laptop are built in the same form factor and with the same interface as previous generations of laptops, so you can include them as upgrades (and reserve them as standalone products). So if you want the touchscreen on your current portable Framework, you can have it (and by all accounts this will be a popular upgrade).
Also in the works is a bottom cover upgrade kit that includes the new battery, as well as an input cover kit that delivers the haptic touchpad to an existing Framework laptop. All of this gets a big shout out, as does the new option for consumers in the US to take advantage of a three-year warranty if they so choose.
The reaction on Reddit has been favorable and some people are very impressed with how well the Framework supports upgrade options. For example, this Redditor enthused: “I can't express how excited and proud I am to support this company. I've loved my 11th gen 13 for years and I'm thrilled to once again be able to choose what I want to upgrade.
“I'm happy with the original screen, my top case is COVERED in stickers and I upgraded the motherboard to AMD, but now I can get a bigger battery, better lowercase and a better touchpad while keeping everything else. This is SO AWESOME.”
Another Redditor says: “The 13 Pro looks really stellar in every way. Everything I could want from a Framework chassis on paper, I'll have to see if it holds up in independent reviews.”
The main concern is that the new laptop will seem expensive to some, particularly if the specifications increase, but that, of course, has a lot to do with the RAM crisis.
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