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Last year, the original Framework laptop got a lot of attention for its innovative design, which made it easy to take apart and add new parts. It also came with a modular set of ports that gave users flexibility and ease of use. Importantly, the company kept its promise to make parts and upgrades for existing machines, starting with the 12th-generation Intel chips and now with the 13th-generation Intel processors. Also, customers will be able to choose from AMD Ryzen 7040 series chips later this year.
To make sure it works with older models, the laptop hasn’t changed much in terms of how it looks. It has a sleek, light design and is made of recycled aluminium, which gives it a high-end look and feel. Base models of the laptop start at an affordable $849, but they don’t come with an operating system, memory, or storage space. We have the chance to test the top-of-the-line “professional” model, which costs $2,069.
Overall, Framework is one of the best laptops on the market because it keeps getting better and tries new things. With the promise of new AMD Ryzen 7040 series chip options coming soon, the company shows its commitment to giving customers more options and meeting their many different needs. The Framework laptop stands out from its competitors because it is modular, eco-friendly, and has a high-quality design. This makes it a good choice for tech fans and people who care about the environment.
Framework Laptop 13 review: Specifications
Keep in mind that this price does not include additional port modules, which can be added based on the user’s needs. But the improvements made by Framework are clear and noticeable even without the extra modules.
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Processor | 13th-gen Intel Core i5 or i7, AMD Ryzen 7040 series (upcoming) |
Memory | Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM |
Storage | M.2 NVMe SSD (user-upgradable) |
Display | 13.5-inch IPS LCD, Resolution: 2256 x 1504 pixels |
Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Ports | USB 4.0 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 (up to 4 ports) |
Operating System | No pre-installed OS (DIY configuration), Windows 10 or Linux compatible |
Battery | 55Whr removable battery |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.2 |
Dimensions | 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches (283.5 x 220.5 x 15.5 mm) |
Weight | Starting from 2.87 lbs (1.3 kg) |
Material | Recycled aluminum chassis |
Framework Laptop 13 review: Design

The Framework Laptop is about 11.67 by 9 by 0.62 inches and weighs about 2.8 pounds. It is almost as light as a MacBook Air M2 (2.7 pounds) and almost as thin. You can only get it in silver, but the bezel can be black, grey, or orange. If you have more than one, you can switch the bezels. Thanks to Framework’s great Expansion Card System, you can also choose which ports to use.
If you haven’t seen these yet, the way they work is that you buy each one separately from Framework and slide it into one of four slots on the bottom of the laptop. If you’re in a hurry, you can even swap them while the laptop is running. Each Expansion Card has a USB-C port on one end where it connects to the laptop. The other end may have a port or some extra storage space.
Display
The Framework Laptop 13 has a 13.5-inch screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2256 x 1504. The display uses an IPS panel, which gives it great colour accuracy and a wide range of viewing angles. With its higher resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio, the laptop has a more efficient workspace, making it perfect for tasks like coding, productivity work, and content creation.
The Framework Laptop 13’s modular design, which makes it easy to replace or upgrade parts like the display module, is one of its best features. This modular design makes it easy for users to change and fix their laptops, which cuts down on electronic waste and makes the device last longer.
Framework Laptop 13 review: Keyboard and Trackpad
Framework says that the backlit keyboard’s key travel is 1.5 mm deep, but I wish it were a bit faster. Even though I know I’m hitting the bottom of the keys, it sounds a little mushy. Still, Framework has a nice layout here, like putting the volume and media keys next to each other (more laptops should do this!). However, one function key is wasted on a button that goes straight to Framework’s website.
I also wish that the up and down arrow keys were half the size of the right and left arrow keys. The touchpad is big enough and tall enough for me to use Windows without any problems. But when I clicked it, it felt a little bit like plastic and even bent a little at the top. Since the first Framework Laptop, this has been a problem, and I’d like to see it fixed.
Performance
As of the information cutoff in September 2021, the Framework Laptop 13 works with Intel 11th generation processors, including the Core i5 and Core i7 options. The performance of these processors is good for both everyday computing tasks and more demanding tasks like editing photos and videos, programming, and light gaming.
In terms of memory, the laptop can use up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, which makes it easy to switch between tasks and improves the overall performance of the system. Solid State Drives (SSDs), which are faster than traditional hard drives at reading and writing, are among the storage options. This means that the system will respond more quickly and applications will load faster.
Framework Laptop 13 review: Battery life

The battery in the Framework Laptop 13 we tested is good enough that I don’t have to worry about plugging it in to charge during the day. The 2023 Framework Laptop 13 lasted about 11 hours and 38 minutes on our battery test, which consisted of constantly surfing the web over Wi-Fi with the screen brightness set to 150 nits.
That’s good for a small laptop, but not great. It can’t save as much power as a laptop with Apple silicon, like the MacBook Air M2 (14:06) or 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 (18:20), but it’s good enough to get you through a day at the office. It’s also better than the 2021 Framework Laptop, whose battery life in the same test was 10 hours and 21 minutes.
Final Words
The Framework Laptop 13 is a great choice for people who want a laptop that goes above and beyond what is usually found. Its 13.5-inch display has a higher resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio, which creates an immersive and efficient workspace for tasks like coding, productivity work, and content creation. The IPS panel gives you bright colours and a wide range of viewing angles, which improves the way you see things.
This gives users the freedom to change their laptops to meet their needs, whether that’s to improve performance, add more storage, or prepare for future technological changes. The modular design also helps the environment by reducing the amount of electronic waste and making the device last longer.
Framework Laptop 13 review: The good and The bad
The Framework Laptop 13 really stands out because of how it is put together. This new way of doing things makes it easy for users to replace and upgrade parts, including the display module.
The Good
- For a productive workspace, the 13.5-inch screen has a higher resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio.
- The IPS panel shows colours well and has a wide viewing angle.
The Bad
- For hard tasks, the performance may not be as good as that of high-end laptops.
Questions and Answers
Yes, the Framework Laptop 13 is made so that it is easy to add new features. Users can take the computer apart and replace parts like the processor, memory, storage, and even port modules.
In its base configuration, the Framework Laptop 13 does not come with an operating system already installed. But it works with Windows 10 and a number of Linux distributions. Users can choose and install the operating system that works best for them.