The Framework Laptop computer 13 is a type of machines nearly everybody can purchase (if there is a want for a brand new pc). It’s highly effective, user-serviceable, upgradable, repairable, and extra futureproof than every other laptop computer in the marketplace. I might solely give you two causes for not shopping for this machine. The primary is that you simply’re a video editor or gamer, wherein case you desire a devoted video card, which this laptop computer doesn’t supply. The second is that you simply don’t need to spend greater than $1,000 on a laptop computer (the bottom prebuilt model begins at $1,049).
For nearly each different use case I can consider, the Framework Laptop computer 13 is nearly as good as its rivals, and it’s repairable, upgradable, and customizable, saving you cash down the highway. It isn’t excellent, however this third model of the Framework Laptop computer 13 is fairly darn shut.
The Excellent Improve
To essentially take a look at the 2023 model of the Framework Laptop computer 13, I ought to have stored the mannequin I reviewed final yr as an alternative of sending it again to the corporate. That approach, I might take a look at the improve course of, which entails swapping out the motherboard for the brand new one. Framework did ship me the DIY package once more with the brand new mannequin, which is considerably just like the improve package deal in that it should be put collectively. (You’ll be able to go for the prebuilt model, which will likely be fully assembled for you.)
Whether or not you improve or are a first-time purchaser choosing up a brand new one, there are three issues within the new Framework Laptop computer 13 that make this a worthwhile improve. The primary is the bigger battery, which obtained a bump from 55 watt-hours to 61 watt-hours. I don’t know if it’s purely the battery or the 13th-generation Intel chip (or some mixture of the 2), however battery life is a lot better this time round—even on Linux, however extra on that in a minute.
The second cause to improve is the matte display screen, as a result of there are matte screens and crap screens, full cease. There’s no annoying glare or reflections. The third enchancment is that there’s now an AMD Ryzen-powered Framework. It’s not transport but, however you possibly can preorder the AMD boards, that are slated to ship later this yr. You’ll be able to cross-upgrade from an Intel mannequin to an AMD too, although you’ll have to get new RAM and a brand new Wi-Fi card as effectively, which makes it just a little dearer.
{Photograph}: Framework
For this evaluation, I’ll be trying on the Intel i7 mannequin (with the 13th-Gen i7-1360P processor) or the improve package if you happen to’ve already obtained an older Framework laptop computer. The unit Framework offered got here with 16 GB of RAM and a 1-TB SSD (a Western Digital SN770, considered one of our favourite SSDs). This configuration retails for $1,738.
You’ll be able to configure your Framework with as much as 64 GB of RAM and use nearly any PCIe Gen4 SSD. A completely maxed-out Framework Laptop computer 13, with 64 GB of RAM and a 2-TB SSD will set you again $2,018. It can save you some cash if have already got an SSD, or you can begin with a slower chip and improve simply the motherboard down the highway.
In any case, that’s the primary enchantment of the Framework—you’re in management. A minimum of, much more than you might be with a laptop computer from a prime producer. Each part within the Framework has a QR code on it that may take you to webpages that present you learn how to improve and alter out your SSD, RAM, audio system, motherboard, and extra. I’ve come to suppose that the existence of the MacBook made the Framework inevitable. It’s the repairable yin to Apple’s locked-up yang.
I occur to suppose that nothing goes as effectively with repairable, customizable {hardware} as Linux, a user-centric, customizable working system. Final time round I put in Linux on the Framework, however this time, the corporate offered me with a Home windows 11 key. I dutifully put in and used Home windows lengthy sufficient to run some benchmarks, carry out a battery drain take a look at, and get a really feel for day-to-day life on a Home windows Framework. After which I pulled that drive out, caught my very own in, and put in Arch Linux. Ah, a lot better.
