(*13*) to sit up for: Framework’s newest modular laptop computer lets users enter the so-called “AI PC” period, doubtlessly with out shopping for a complete new PC. The Framework 13 upgrade also contains a new webcam and a higher-resolution 2.8K display screen with a sooner 120Hz refresh charge. In addition, the corporate has slashed the costs of a few of the earlier fashions and older elements, some considerably.
Pre-orders at the moment are open for a new era of Framework 13 laptops that includes Intel’s Core Ultra Series 1 CPUs, high-refresh-rate screens, and higher webcams. The full system begins at $899, however these with older variants can substitute their motherboards with the Core Ultra beginning at $449. You can at the moment pre-order in 14 nations.
The new mainboards enable users to choose between three of Intel’s new Meteor Lake CPUs: the Ultra 5 125H for $449, the Ultra 7 155H for $669, and the Ultra 7 165H for $999. The processors, launched by Intel late final yr, are the corporate’s first to emphasise NPUs for enhanced onboard AI workloads.
Framework is changing the sooner 2,256 x 1,504-pixel 60Hz display with a 2.8K (2,880 x 1,920) 120Hz 256 PPI display screen that helps variable refresh charge and allows 2:1 scaling on Linux. It options an anti-glare matte floor and 500 nits of brightness at a 1,500:1 distinction ratio. Customers can buy and set up the new monitor on an older Framework 13 for $269.
However, users ought to observe that the new display’s corners are rounded by 3mm on the prime and 1mm on the backside. Promising extra info at a later date, Framework defined that it was compelled to repurpose a panel initially meant for a machine from one other firm.
The new webcam, obtainable independently for $39, introduces a smartphone-like subpixel grouping system to create high-density pixels. The change ought to enhance low-light efficiency.
Those wishing to keep away from DIY upgrades can now order new configurations combining the new display screen and webcam with Ryzen 7040 processors, which embrace AMD’s XDNA NPUs. Users desirous about additional customizing Framework laptops can purchase and swap out quite a few different parts like reminiscence, storage, connection ports, keyboards, coolers, fingerprint scanners, and extra. A new SD card port is accessible for pre-order.
Earlier Framework laptops and some parts have obtained everlasting worth cuts, too.
The 13.5-inch Ryzen 7040 laptop computer now begins at $799 whereas the Thirteenth-gen Intel version is accessible for as little as $779. The largest worth drop is for the i7-1185G7 mainboard, which is 66 % off at $349.
Users desirous about a extra highly effective modular laptop computer can try the Framework 16 with a Ryzen 7040, beginning at $1,399. It contains a 165Hz VRR display screen, and the corporate hopes to finally add upgradeable devoted graphics.