Framework updates Laptop 13 family with Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen 7040, new display options

(Image credit: Framework)

Framework, currently the only manufacturer offering widely upgradeable laptops, has started pre-orders for systems with Intel’s Ultra Series 1 chips in either DIY or Pre-built forms. If you already own an existing Framework Laptop 13, you can purchase an Intel Core Ultra Series 1 mainboard from the Framework Marketplace and upgrade your current laptop in less than 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, you can’t get Intel’s latest processors in the larger Framework Laptop 16 yet. Instead, larger screen lovers will have to opt for one of AMD's Ryzen 7040 chips. However, Framework does give a treat for AMD fans who prefer a 13-inch portable — it has permanently slashed the prices of 13-inch with Ryzen 7040 models, saving buyers $50 over the original prices.

Besides the new Intel processor, Framework introduced a new higher-resolution 13-inch screen. You can now pick between a 2,256 x 1,504 pixels 60 Hz matte display or the newer 2,880 x 1,920 pixels screen that can hit up to 120 Hz. It also released a second-generation webcam module that comes with a new microphone. This module offers better image quality, even in low-light conditions, compared to the original version by combining four subpixels into one larger pixel, similar to the technology found in cameras used in many smartphones.

Aside from these functional upgrades, Framework will also release USB-C expansion cards in four new colors: green, lavender, orange, and red. These colored expansion cards will handsomely match the colored bezels Framework currently offers. However, it’s quite unfortunate that the company didn’t offer the color options first to its 1TB and 250GB expansion cards, as unique exterior colors could help users determine the correct storage expansion, especially if they use multiple cards for different uses. It would’ve also been nicer if Framework introduced colored input and top covers, as these would have the most visual impact, instead of just colored USB-C ports.

Despite missing the mark with its color options, Framework still stands true to its mission of making laptops last longer by offering upgradeable parts. The original Framework Laptop 13 launched with an 11th-gen Intel processor, and the company has delivered upgrades for users through Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generations. It’s also easy to upgrade other internal components like RAM, SSD, Wi-Fi, and even the GPU (on the 16-inch model), allowing you to change the configuration of your laptop (up to its ports) even if it is already several years old.

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Jowi Morales is a tech enthusiast with years of experience working in the industry. He’s been writing with several tech publications since 2021, where he’s been interested in tech hardware and consumer electronics.

15 Comments Comment from the forums

toffty

I never use laptops but if I ever had to buy one, it would certainly be from Framework.
Reply
bit_user

Until they do something about the lack of physical buttons on that trackpad, I'm not interested at any price.
Reply
kealii123

Waiting for Qualcomm chips !
Reply
subspruce

waiting for the x elite framework with lpcamm2 and m.2
Reply
helper800

bit_user said:
Until they do something about the lack of physical buttons on that trackpad, I'm not interested at any price.
What makes that essential for you?
Reply
tracker1

bit_user said:
Until they do something about the lack of physical buttons on that trackpad, I'm not interested at any price.

Personally, I prefer the click anywhere and two finger click over dedicated buttons that reduce the touchpad size.
Reply
bit_user

helper800 said:
What makes that essential for you?
My work laptop has no buttons and I'm still clumsy on it after more than a year. I consider it unacceptable to have such a failure-prone interface device. When my mouse buttons randomly decide I'm no longer holding them down while I click + drag or confuse different actions, I replace the mouse. I cannot do that with stupid touchpad. I will never buy one of these by choice.

And don't tell me just to use a mouse with my laptop, because I sometimes have to use it in some places & situations where there's no room for a mouse or trackball. Plus, I wouldn't like to always carry it around to every meeting that I need to bring my laptop to, since I'm often carrying other things. And then there's the noise made by clapping a mouse on a table, during the middle of a meeting.

These foolish companies (or their marketing people) are so insecure that they think they have to copy Apple on everything possible.

tracker1 said:
Personally, I prefer the click anywhere and two finger click over dedicated buttons that reduce the touchpad size.
The touchpad on my current laptop is no smaller than it was on my previous one. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's even be larger. Plus, there's plenty of space above/below it to add buttons, if they felt like it. From the pic, the Framework's touchpad seems not to have such spare room, but its touchpad also looks so huge I think they could afford to add buttons if they wanted to.

The irony is that Framework is supposed to be all about modularity, choice, and upgrade options. Yet, they give you no option to upgrade to a trackpad with buttons.
Reply
Notton

Personally, I would love to see a keyboard option with the red nub thing Lenovo uses.
Reply
kealii123

bit_user said:
My work laptop has no buttons and I'm still clumsy on it after more than a year. I consider it unacceptable to have such a failure-prone interface device. When my mouse buttons randomly decide I'm no longer holding them down while I click + drag or confuse different actions, I replace the mouse. I cannot do that with stupid touchpad. I will never buy one of these by choice.

And don't tell me just to use a mouse with my laptop, because I sometimes have to use it in some places & situations where there's no room for a mouse or trackball. Plus, I wouldn't like to always carry it around to every meeting that I need to bring my laptop to, since I'm often carrying other things. And then there's the noise made by clapping a mouse on a table, during the middle of a meeting.

These foolish companies (or their marketing people) are so insecure that they think they have to copy Apple on everything possible.

The touchpad on my current laptop is no smaller than it was on my previous one. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's even be larger. Plus, there's plenty of space above/below it to add buttons, if they felt like it. From the pic, the Framework's touchpad seems not to have such spare room, but its touchpad also looks so huge I think they could afford to add buttons if they wanted to.

The irony is that Framework is supposed to be all about modularity, choice, and upgrade options. Yet, they give you no option to upgrade to a trackpad with buttons.
Unless you're over 65, you're in a striking minority of users. Touchpads are so large now, and nice ones with haptic feedback allow click + press anywhere. Clicking + dragging errors haven't been a thing for like a decade.
Reply
bit_user

kealii123 said:
Unless you're over 65, you're in a striking minority of users. Touchpads are so large now, and nice ones with haptic feedback allow click + press anywhere. Clicking + dragging errors haven't been a thing for like a decade.
Somehow, I doubt you're such an expert on the subject matter as your message implies. It's fine to disagree with my opinion, but to try and invalidate my experience by making sweeping claims and not citing a shred of data, actually comes across as rather juvenile.
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