Framework Laptop 12

The Colorful Modular Laptop Gets Faster

Framework’s smallest notebook is keeping its playful colors and repair-friendly design while moving to Intel’s Core Series 3 processors. The update brings faster DDR5 memory, Thunderbolt 4 support on two of its four swappable Expansion Card slots, and a welcome efficiency boost without abandoning the parts-first philosophy that makes the Laptop 12 unusual.

A Big Battery Gain for the Core 5

The clearest improvement is endurance: Framework says its Core 5 model lasted 70 percent longer during Netflix streaming than the original Laptop 12 with a Core i5. Prebuilt configurations pair Core 3, Core 5, and Core 7 chips with 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB of RAM respectively, while custom builds can be equipped with as much as 48GB.

Linux Is More Than an Afterthought

Framework found that more than 80 percent of existing Laptop 12 owners run Linux, so Fedora is now offered as a preinstalled choice. Core 5 and Core 7 Linux configurations include a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader, and Framework has shared the new hardware with other Linux distributions to help them prepare support before shipping begins.

The DIY edition starts at $549 in black, gray, light purple, pink, or green. Prebuilt Linux systems begin at $699, with Windows 11 available as a $100 upgrade. Preorders are open now for October delivery.