What's interesting here now?
The Framework Laptop 13 hasn't changed much: it still has the same keyboard and chassis as the 2023 version, but the screen is more modern. The new version has a resolution of 2880 × 1920 pixels, while the previous model had 2256 × 1504. The screen is sold separately, so owners of the older version can upgrade.
The display frames can now be made interesting (to match the wallpaper). The standard set has been expanded with red. There are also gray, orange, green, lavender and black. Here's an interesting point: if you buy a laptop and frames in addition to it, they will cost $10. But separately – $55.
Another difference of the new 13-inch model is four slots for modules of ports and connectors. Included are USB-A, HDMI, SD card slot, USB-C modules. The color of the modules ranges from the usual metallic to orange, lavender, green and red.
If you need an additional module, the company's hardware catalog has several varieties at once, and they are not very expensive. Thus, HDMI, DisplayPort or MicroSD will cost $ 19, and the SD expansion card – $ 25. Other modules are also available: 2.5 GbE costs $ 39, additional memory of 250 GB – $ 45. The most expensive is a 1 TB SSD module, its price is $ 125.
Sometimes Framework Laptop owners complain that it is difficult to remove modules. You need to apply force, but if you try too hard, the slot can fly a couple of meters away. So you will have to get used to it!
What are the characteristics?
And here everything is almost the same as the previous model. But the processor is more powerful – Intel Core Ultra 7 155H.
So, the characteristics:
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H;
graphics: Intel Arc;
RAM: 32 GB A-Data DDR5-5600 (2 × 16 GB);
main memory: 1 TB WD Black SN850X;
display: 13.5 inches, 3:2, 2880 x 1920 pixels;
net: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210, Bluetooth 5.2;
ports and connectors: 3.5mm audio, 4 slots for user-selectable modules;
camera: 1080p with the ability to turn it off;
battery: 61 Wh;
OS: Windows 11 Home;
dimensions: 296.63 × 228.98 × 15.85 mm;
weight: 1.3 kg.
The new Core Ultra 7 155H processor is a chip for the FCBGA-2049 socket. It has 16 cores and 22 threads. The base frequency is 1,400 MHz, but support for Turbo Boost technology allows automatic overclocking to 4,800 MHz. It went on sale relatively recently – December 14, 2023.
How about an upgrade?
The laptop was designed with a good level of repairability in mind. A user who is not the most experienced in electronic matters can easily disassemble the device and replace the disk, RAM or the motherboard itself.
The laptop is really easy to disassemble, you only need a Philips screwdriver. The screws on the bottom cover do not fall out, there is no chance of losing a tiny screw. The cover is also held in place by magnets, but it comes off easily.
All the familiar parts are removable, including RAM, M.2 PCIe SSD, Wi-Fi module, and battery. And if you need help making these updates, Framework provides a handy QR code next to each component that leads to a video explaining the process. A plus in karma for the developers for that! Perhaps you can tell me if this is a unique idea or if someone has already done something similar?
You can replace the speakers, touchpad, keyboard or motherboard. The screen can be removed without any problems – there is nothing complicated here either. I have already mentioned the modules – they are the easiest to replace. Here is a complete list of them:
As we mentioned in one of our posts about the Framework Laptop, there are also third-party modules, including dual USB-C and an RFID reader.
Assemble your laptop yourself
The manufacturer's website has a configurator, so you can assemble your laptop yourself. Not only the characteristics, the type of modules, but also the colors of the components differ. You can also choose a ready-made and assembled laptop or a set of parts – you will need to assemble them yourself.
Pre-built configurations start with a “base” unit with an Intel Core 5 Ultra with 8GB of DDR5, 256GB SSD, 13.5-inch display, 2256 x 1504, Windows 11 Home, and a 1-year warranty for $1,099. The standard set of expansion cards includes two USB-C, one USB-A, and HDMI.
The top-of-the-line version is the Extended Pro, with a Core 7 Ultra 165H, 32GB DDR5, 1GB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, and a 3-year extended warranty for $2,099.
If you want to assemble the device yourself, the price will be lower. You can choose the most economical model, without expansion slots, RAM and SSD. Accordingly, without an operating system. For $ 899, you will be offered a model with a Core Ultra 5 125H processor and a 13.5-inch display with a resolution of 2,256 × 1,504.
What else?
The advantages of the Framework Laptop are not the price (it is quite high), but the modularity and maintainability. The idea is that the owner does not buy new laptops, but upgrades the old ones. The only problem is when a much more powerful processor appears in the kit. You can’t change it, you will have to buy a new board. But it is still cheaper than a new powerful laptop.
If you have any of the Framework Laptop variants, let me know how you like the device? Do you like everything or have any issues?
