The Framework Laptop computer 13 is a type of machines virtually everybody can buy (if there is a want for a brand new pc). It’s highly effective, user-serviceable, upgradable, repairable, and extra futureproof than another laptop computer available on the market. I may solely give you two causes for not shopping for this machine. The primary is that you just’re a video editor or gamer, during which case you desire a devoted video card, which this laptop computer doesn’t provide. The second is that you just don’t wish 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 pretty much as good as its rivals, and it’s repairable, upgradable, and customizable, saving you cash down the street. It isn’t good, however this third model of the Framework Laptop computer 13 is fairly darn shut.
The Good Improve
To essentially check 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 method, I may check 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 may go for the prebuilt model, which can 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 Thirteenth-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 motive to improve is the matte display, 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 delivery but, however you may preorder the AMD boards, that are slated to ship later this yr. You may 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 nicely, which makes it slightly costlier.
{Photograph}: Framework
For this evaluate, I’ll be trying on the Intel i7 mannequin (with the Thirteenth-Gen i7-1360P processor) or the improve package for those who’ve already obtained an older Framework laptop computer. The unit Framework supplied got here with 16 GB of RAM and a 1-TB SSD (a Western Digital SN770, one in every of our favourite SSDs). This configuration retails for $1,738.
You may 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 street.
In spite of everything, that’s the principle attraction of the Framework—you’re in management. Not less than, much more than you’re with a laptop computer from a prime producer. Each element within the Framework has a QR code on it that can take you to webpages that present you the best way to improve and alter out your SSD, RAM, audio system, motherboard, and extra. I’ve come to assume that the existence of the MacBook made the Framework inevitable. It’s the repairable yin to Apple’s locked-up yang.
I occur to assume that nothing goes as nicely 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 supplied 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 check, 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.