Desk of Contents
Desk of Contents
Desk of Contents
Framework Laptop computer 13: Pricing and spec choices
Framework Laptop computer 13: What’s new (and coming quickly)
Framework Laptop computer 13: Meeting
Framework Laptop computer 13: Design and construct high quality
Framework Laptop computer 13: Efficiency
Framework Laptop computer 13: Battery life
Is the Framework Laptop computer 13 value it?
How We Examined
I’ve a fraught relationship with the Apple Genius Bar. Between 2019 and 2021, I spent over $1,400 on repairs for my Intel-era MacBook Professional — thrice to interchange a cracked show and as soon as to repair 5 keycaps that stored falling out. (Earlier than you ask, sure, they’d butterfly switches.) I used to be on an early-career freelance author’s price range on the time, so the payments hit like a truck, and the wait time for repairs left me scrambling.
It’s circumstances like mine that make Framework’s modular laptops so attractive. Somewhat than spend the equal of a brand-new machine on components and labor, you possibly can open up a Framework Laptop computer and restore or exchange any part your self.
This design philosophy permits for ongoing customizability and successfully future-proofs your laptop computer for all times. Subsequent-generation upgrades represent new motherboards, ports, reminiscence, or batteries as an alternative of completely new PCs. It is a extra economically and environmentally sustainable manner of proudly owning a pc: You are principally working your manner towards a Laptop computer of Theseus.
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The most effective laptops for 2025: Examined for efficiency, battery life, design, and worth
Because the inaugural Framework Laptop computer launched in 2021, Apple has carried out a Self Restore Program for out-of-warranty units that makes DIY fixes doable (if a trouble) for these with ample expertise. Different laptop computer corporations like Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft have comparable packages. However Framework’s shtick remains to be distinct in its approachability, affordability, and the best way it encourages true possession over one’s tech, making the corporate a frontrunner within the “Proper to Restore” motion.
We reviewed the primary Framework Laptop computer 13 upon launch and gave it a Mashable Selection Award for its “ingenious design options,” good battery life, and “extremely upgradable efficiency.” After spending a number of days with a more moderen mannequin powered by an Intel Core Extremely Sequence 1 processor, I feel it nonetheless ticks these key bins to take care of that distinction.
Framework Laptop computer 13: Pricing and spec choices
My evaluation unit is an entry-level configuration of the Framework Laptop computer 13 (DIY Version) that I custom-made and assembled from scratch. It begins at $799 however retails for $1,197 as examined with the next specs, working system, and equipment:
Intel Core Extremely 125H system — $799
13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 60Hz matte show (black bezel)
16GB RAM (2 x 8GB) — $80
500GB SSD storage — $69
Home windows 11 House (obtain) — $139
U.S. English keyboard
60W energy adapter — $55
4 port enlargement playing cards — $11 to $22 apiece (Framework threw in six for me to attempt, together with two USB-C, one USB-A, one HDMI, one DisplayPort, and one microSD. You may solely use 4 enlargement playing cards directly, and my standard setup price $55 whole.)
If you would like extra (or much less) out of your laptop computer, Framework’s DIY Version configuration choices are nearly infinite. You may equipment it with as much as an Intel Core Extremely 7 CPU, a 2.8K 120Hz show, 8GB to 96GB of RAM, 250GB to 8TB of storage, colourful bezels, keyboards in varied languages and layouts, and 7 totally different sorts of port enlargement playing cards. These elements can be found for buy as a part of your preliminary order, however you can too purchase them à la carte when you’ll want to improve down the highway.
There are just a few methods to save lots of an excellent chunk of cash on a Framework Laptop computer 13. One is by buying a refurbished system or components, which Framework sells at a reduction. The opposite is by bringing your individual reminiscence, SSD, energy adapter, and working system. In addition to Home windows, Linux additionally works and is free.
Keep in mind that putting in your working system of selection requires a USB flash drive on which you create the set up media from one other pc. With Home windows, you may then want to put in a separate driver bundle. (That is principally only a set of additional recordsdata that makes positive the laptop computer runs correctly.) These additional steps are distinctive to the DIY Version setup course of and generally is a bit complicated for newbies. If you happen to do not wish to cope with them, go for a pre-built Framework Laptop computer 13 that comes with Home windows pre-installed.
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Laptop computer specs defined: A jargon-free information to what’s inside your pc
The “Base” pre-built system will run you $999 for an Intel Core Extremely 125H CPU, the 13.5-inch 60Hz matte show, 8GB RAM, 256GB of storage, Home windows 11 House, and a one-year guarantee. There are a number of upgraded “Efficiency” and “Productiveness” tiers that embody higher Intel Core Sequence 1 processors, extra RAM, extra storage, and three-year warranties, which begin at $1,229 to $1,899. Every little thing is included, save to your 4 enlargement playing cards.
The Framework Laptop computer 13 is barely accessible for buy via the Framework web site, not at main retailers like Amazon or Greatest Purchase, although you should purchase appropriate storage and reminiscence modules for it elsewhere.
Framework Laptop computer 13: What’s new (and coming quickly)
The Framework Laptop computer 13’s Intel Core Extremely Sequence 1 replace arrived in mid-2024 with an improved webcam and a brand new thermal system that helps it run cooler and quieter than earlier iterations. The corporate additionally added just a few new customization choices on the time, together with the two.8K 120Hz show choice ($269), an SD enlargement card ($25), and 4 additional USB-C enlargement card colours ($11 every).
Extra just lately, Framework refreshed its 13.5-inch laptop computer for 2025 with AMD Ryzen AI 300 Sequence processors. This mannequin has its personal tweaked thermal system, a brand new keyboard with a Copilot key (or the Framework brand for Linux), and WiFi 7. It left its preorder section in mid-June and is now in inventory beginning at $899 for the DIY Version or $1,099 pre-built. I plan on making an attempt it within the close to future and can replace this evaluation with my findings.
The longevity of the Framework mission has been a minor trigger for concern since its inception in 2020. (It is nonetheless technically a startup.) However the firm’s observe report so far evokes confidence: It is launched new laptops and/or elements yearly for the reason that unique Framework Laptop computer launched in 2021, and just lately expanded its lineup with a modular desktop and a convertible.
Framework Laptop computer 13: Meeting
Left:
The packaging for the Framework Laptop computer 13’s elements.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Proper:
Unwrapping the components.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
I wish to stress that I am no Henry Cavill. For so long as I have been utilizing laptops as my foremost computer systems (since 2011) and reviewing them for Mashable (since 2023), I’ve by no means truly cracked one open or put one collectively. When my Framework Laptop computer 13 DIY Version arrived as a bunch of individually boxed components, I used to be frightened I would be in over my head.
Fortunately, the meeting course of is essentially stupid-easy. Framework gives step-by-step directions and useful demo movies by way of QR code, and the one software wanted is the included Framework Screwdriver. Each part effortlessly and satisfyingly slides, snaps, or screws cosy into place. Higher but, the screws that maintain the 2 halves of the machine’s base collectively are bodily connected to its underside — you could not lose them if you happen to tried.
I put in my laptop computer’s storage with just a few twists of the Framework Screwdriver.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Placing my Framework Laptop computer 13 collectively for the primary time took me not more than quarter-hour, and with sufficient observe, I feel I may speedrun it in only one or two, like a one-woman PC pit crew. That Framework has refined its meeting course of to be so foolproof and exact is an incredible feat of engineering. The trickiest half was wrangling an inexpensive USB-C flash drive and one other PC so I may put Home windows on it.
What’s additionally nice is that taking the Framework Laptop computer 13 aside is simply as painless as placing it collectively. I popped mine open and utterly disassembled it into its fresh-out-of-the-box state so I may stroll my curious husband via its development.
This seems scary. I promise it isn’t.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Elements just like the SSD and reminiscence module that you just set up at setup will detach with a delicate pull, however releasing others that come connected already — just like the battery, touchpad, show, and audio system — requires extra effort. I did not try to swap these out in my testing, however I feel I may handle if wanted: Small QR labels scattered all through the laptop computer’s internals pull up thorough alternative guides for assist in making upgrades and fixes.
All issues thought of, it completely tracks that the Framework Laptop computer 13 acquired a uncommon 10/10 repairability rating from iFixit, an organization that publishes digital restore guides, teardowns, and scores. I’ve constructed IKEA furnishings that is extra convoluted.
Framework Laptop computer 13: Design and construct high quality
The matte end on the Framework Laptop computer 13’s display screen is nice.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Let’s put aside the Framework Laptop computer 13’s consummate fix- and take-apart-ability for a minute to debate its design at face worth: What does it appear and feel like to make use of as a every day driver? I would say fairly good.
At a fast look, the all-aluminum Framework Laptop computer 13 seems so much like a glossy, silvery MacBook — particularly a 2019 or 2020 MacBook Air with an angled base. The 2 issues that blow its cowl are the gear-shaped brand within the heart of its lid and the solidness of the lid itself: It has little give once you press down within the heart of it, and the display screen wobbles a hair once you open or modify its place (although not once you sort). I am undoubtedly not involved about its general construct high quality or long-term sturdiness, however it does lack that form of premium really feel.
The Framework Laptop computer 13 measures 0.62 inches skinny and weighs 2.87 kilos, making it decisively transportable, if not fairly as svelte as an M4 MacBook Air.
Show
The Framework Laptop computer 13’s customary show is ok, however I would most likely get the two.8K one when you’ve got the price range.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
As talked about, my evaluation unit shipped with a 2256 x 1504 show that has a 60Hz refresh price. The three:2 side ratio makes for a spacious-feeling display screen on a comparatively compact laptop computer. It is rated at 400 nits, which, coupled with its matte end, makes the image pretty straightforward to see in vivid daylight. Once I labored on it at my desk, which will get a reasonable quantity of solar all through the day, I truly discovered it comfiest to make use of just a few ticks under most brightness.
The precise image high quality may’ve been a bit higher. Whereas colours appeared decently vibrant, small textual content in information articles and Google Docs appeared a tad fuzzier on the Framework Laptop computer 13 in comparison with my MacBook Professional, which has a 3024 x 1964 show. I do not suppose the two.8K choice is a compulsory buy, however I would contemplate it when you’ve got a little bit wiggle room in your price range. (It is lower than $100 extra.)
Keyboard and touchpad
Left:
A peek into the Framework Laptop computer 13’s base.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Proper:
And the laptop computer absolutely assembled with the keyboard and trackpad.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
The Framework Laptop computer 13’s keyboard has well-spaced, island-style keys with adjustable backlighting and a fingerprint sensor (positioned within the energy button). It was clicky and tremendous comfy to sort on, however rather less squishiness would’ve pushed it into “satisfying” territory. I desire crisper keyboards.
The matte glass touchpad on the Framework Laptop computer 13 felt actually good: It is clean and delicate to the contact — velvety, even. My fingers glided throughout it with out awkwardly skidding, and it did not make any misclicks. I ought to point out that it does not have haptics, if that is your factor, however it did not really feel like a downgrade after coming from a MacBook Professional.
Webcam
A selfie I took on the Framework Laptop computer 13 that includes my parrot, Melon (the inexperienced blob on the best), and an annoying chin pimple that the digital camera accentuated.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
The Framework Laptop computer 13’s webcam module encompasses a 1080p digital camera with a bodily privateness shutter and an on/off slider for its mic. Its image high quality was grainy and oddly hued: On digital camera, my pores and skin appeared reddish and my environment appeared muted. I can not ding it an excessive amount of as a result of it is uncommon that we encounter a really nice laptop computer webcam, however simply know that this undoubtedly is not one in all them.
Audio system
I apply an identical line of considering to the 2 2W audio system on the Framework Laptop computer 13. They’re positioned on both aspect of the underside of the machine’s base (upturned at a slight angle) and are undoubtedly my least favourite factor about it. They get very loud, however they sound very mid: muffled, tinny, and bass-deficient. Laptop computer audio system are additionally not often good, however I actually hope Framework introduces a brand new audio module the subsequent time it refreshes its 13.5-incher.
Ports
Individuals suppose I am obsessive about this, however I am OK with it. I’m obsessive about it. And I feel that is an obsession that does not damage anybody.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
I am going to finish this part on a excessive notice: The Framework Laptop computer 13’s connectivity is among the coolest issues about it. Together with a everlasting 3.5mm audio jack, there are 4 slots beneath its base that are supposed to maintain the enlargement playing cards of your selecting. These match tight and flush when in place, however slide out simply with the press of a button.
Not less than a kind of playing cards must have a USB-C port for charging. In any other case, you are free to swap them out and in as wanted. In different phrases, this laptop computer’s ports are whatever you need them to be. Want a microSD card slot to switch photographs from a digital camera? Wish to transfer your charger to achieve an outlet? The sky is the restrict. That is good.
Framework Laptop computer 13: Efficiency
The Framework Laptop computer 13 would possibly look so much like a MacBook, however it positive does not carry out like one. (Not the entry-level mannequin I examined, at the least.)
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
For reference, we assess laptops’ efficiency in real-world conditions by operating them via multi-tab and -app stress checks, gauging their fan noise and warmth ranges. We additionally benchmark them utilizing Primate Labs’ Geekbench 6 CPU take a look at, which produces scores we are able to use to quantify and examine totally different fashions’ processing energy.
Within the real-world stress take a look at, I pulled up 20 tabs in a Google Chrome window together with two separate apps (Spotify and Clock, which had a timer operating). My Framework Laptop computer 13’s fan kicked on as soon as 10 of the tabs completed loading, then whirred quietly within the background till all 20 had loaded. After that, the fan turned off and I did not hear it once more, even after I plugged within the laptop computer. (That normally makes PCs run a little bit more durable.)
The fan vent on the underside of the laptop computer’s chassis acquired fairly heat throughout this take a look at, however by no means so scorching that I could not contact it. Conversely, the floor round its keyboard did not get heat in any respect.
The Framework Laptop computer 13 felt a little bit laggy after I was pulling up my tabs, however to be honest, I opened all 20 of them directly. As soon as all of them loaded, I did not discover any efficiency points — nothing stuttered or slowed down after I pulled up yet one more web page and typed in a Google Doc.
I would name it a reliable however overpriced low-end performer.
Within the Geekbench 6 benchmark, my Framework Laptop computer 13 acquired a multi-core rating of 8,231, rating within the backside 15 p.c among the many non-gaming Home windows laptops we have examined. That is not surprising contemplating it has an entry-level processor, however it’s not an important rating for the cash: The opposite laptops we have examined within the $1,100 to $1,200 vary scored 12,267 and above. (These had a Snapdragon X Elite or Intel Core Extremely 7 155H processor.) General, I would name it a reliable however overpriced low-end performer.
One very last thing earlier than I transfer on: The Intel-based Framework Laptop computer 13 is just not a Copilot+ PC, however it does assist a few of Microsoft’s AI-powered options for Home windows. One in all them is Stay Captions, which was quick however a little bit iffy on accuracy in my testing. I recorded a video of myself saying, “Melon is a cute little fowl” (Melon being my pet parrot); Stay Captions acquired the transcription proper initially, then modified it to “Melania’s a cute little fowl” after just a few seconds. Not fairly!
The Restyle Picture and Picture Creator options in Microsoft Pictures have been additionally accessible on my Framework Laptop computer 13. I might personally by no means use them frequently — I do not like AI picture turbines for a wide range of moral, environmental, and inventive causes — however they did work as meant in my testing.
Lastly, there is a Copilot shortcut pinned to the taskbar in Home windows, which you’ll take away. There is not a bodily Copilot key on the Framework Laptop computer 13’s keyboard.
Some customers may be drawn to the truth that the Intel-based Framework Laptop computer 13 is not decked out in AI, myself included. It feels much less bloated than a number of the different Home windows laptops I’ve tried.
Framework Laptop computer 13: Battery life
We run each laptop computer we evaluation via the very same battery life benchmark, which includes looping a 1080p video at 50% quantity and 50% brightness till the machine dies.
Framework does not present battery life estimates for its laptops, however it did notice that Intel’s Core Extremely Sequence 1 processors boasted “main enhancements in effectivity and battery life” in comparison with its older chips, “particularly on use circumstances like video playback.”
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Greatest Home windows laptops for 2025: Our prime decide lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Execs
The unique Framework Laptop computer we tried in 2021 had an Eleventh-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and lasted eight to 9 hours. Understanding that, I assumed I would get 9, perhaps 10 hours out of my newer however entry-level configuration. (For reference, 9 hours was the present median runtime for the Home windows laptops in our database on the time of testing.)
Suffice to say, the Framework Laptop computer 13 made me appear like a doofus when it held out for 17 hours and 10 minutes. That is an totally glorious battery life — longer than a number of the newer MacBooks we have tried.
I used to be so shocked by these outcomes that I texted the aforementioned husband simply after the 17-hour mark to ensure he hadn’t messed with my take a look at after I wasn’t wanting. He assures me he is harmless.
Is the Framework Laptop computer 13 value it?
As soon as once more, the Framework Laptop computer 13 earns a Mashable Selection Award.
Credit score: Haley Henschel / Mashable
Let’s be crystal clear that different premium laptops supply higher efficiency and nicer specs than the Framework Laptop computer 13 for a similar worth or much less. The M4 MacBook Air, for instance, has the most effective on-paper worth that we have seen in a very long time, combining high-octane efficiency, a wonderful show, a legitimately good webcam, and 16GB of RAM for a beginning worth of solely $999. But it is pricey to restore and a ache for most individuals to take aside.
The factor a few Framework Laptop computer 13 is that it does not exist in a vacuum. You are paying for its {hardware}, sure, however you are additionally paying for the privilege of long-term fixability and future-proofing. Is that extra essential to you than having the snazziest specs of the second?
For me, it is well worth the upfront funding. As somebody who checks myriad computer systems for work, however is not a tinkerer by nature, I am struck by the benefit and empowerment of Framework’s idea. I really feel like I acquired to know the Framework Laptop computer 13 higher than every other PC I’ve ever tried or owned. It is opened my eyes to the worth of repairability and, frankly, made me rethink my relationship with all the expertise I personal. Contemplate me Framework-pilled.
