Framework's budget laptop gets a major upgrade with new Intel chips

Framework has refreshed its compact and colorful Laptop 12, equipping it with Intel's latest Core Series 3 processors. The update follows the recent launch of a high-end version of the company's 13-inch laptop.

The new model comes in three pre-built configurations — Core 3, Core 5 or Core 7 chips, paired respectively with 8GB, 16GB or 32GB of RAM. Framework says the new chip also brings battery life improvements, noting that the Core 5 model showed 70 percent better battery life while streaming Netflix compared to the Core i5 version of the original Laptop 12.

Additional features and configuration

Buyers can boost memory up to 48GB, though this upgrade costs an extra $659. The new processor also enables Thunderbolt 4 support on two of the laptop's four hot-swappable Expansion Cards, along with faster DDR5 memory. The 12.2-inch display remains unchanged, but customers can now add a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader.

According to Framework, more than 80 percent of original Laptop 12 owners run Linux, so the new model ships with Fedora pre-installed by default, while Windows 11 is available as a $100 upgrade.

Pre-orders for the new Framework Laptop 12 are open now. A pre-built Linux configuration in green starts at $699, while the cheaper DIY version in black, gray, light purple, pink or green starts at $549. Shipping is expected to begin in October.