Framework Laptop (13.5-Inch, 2022)

“The Framework Laptop is more than just worthwhile experiment in modularity, it's also a great laptop.”

User-repairable in every aspect ; DIY kit offers endless customizability ; Excellent keyboard ; Light and compact ; Stronger performance than Intel option

You’ll have to wait a while ; Generic look ; Not as sturdy as some 13-inch competitors ; Ports require a bit more thought than they do on the Intel model

Now, the bad news: the wait isn’t over. Intel Framework systems are currently shipping “within five business days,” per Framework’s website. Ryzen models just have a “Ships Q4” label slapped on them. We are currently in Q4, so I guess they could ship...

Modular concept ; USB 4.0 ; Elegant engineering ; Decent battery life

Only one year warranty ; The camera isn’t Windows Hello capable

The modular nature of this design is remarkably fresh and demonstrates how engineering is not just about making laptops cheap and easy to make. The 7040 is a template for how laptops could all be made and not merely an exercise in constructional...

Easy to open and replace parts ; Excellent desktop performance ; High build quality

No replacement parts - yet? ; Expensive to get started ; Can be noisy

Concept is reliant on long-term company support ; DIY aspect may be intimidating for less-savvy laptop users

Uniquely friendly to user upgrades ; 3:2 display ; 1080p webcam with physical shutter

Somewhat flimsy ; No screen or GPU upgrades available ; You just never know with these things

The new Framework Laptop is designed to be a DIY dream. Not only are its internal components like RAM, storage, and mainboard replaceable, but users can also customize the bezels, keyboard, and ports.

You can repair and upgrade it! ; Lovely 3:2 aspect ratio screen

Costs more than brand-name laptops ; A little generic in appearance

We have never started a review by taking a laptop apart, ripping its motherboard out, and then putting it back together and testing it. That’s because we would never expect a product to endure that without malfunctioning. That’s just not how laptops...

Sharp, vibrant display ; Expandable storage and ram ; Excellent port selection ; Lightweight chassis ; Easy to build ; Upgradable

Can be pricey ; Middling performance ; Battery life

excellent CPU and GPU performance ;high performance-per-watt ;long battery life ;USB4 support

the four USB-C ports are not created equal ;single-thread performance could be better ;fan is loud and tends to pulse ;still no new display options

If you value multi-thread performance and graphics, then the AMD configuration is without a doubt the superior choice over Intel. The Ryzen 7 7840U and Radeon 780M are better than any 13th gen Intel Core-U or Core-P processor when it comes to...

Almost completely configurable and upgradable ; Smart and functional design ; Practically no performance sacrifices ; 1,080-pixel, 60 frame per second webcam with camera and mic shutters ; Opens 180 degrees

Looks relatively generic ; No Thunderbolt 4 yet