Framework Laptop 12, Intel Core i3‑1315U, $699. The company has unveiled an updated 12‑inch convertible, now powered by Intel’s latest Core 3 series processors and shipped with a pre‑installed Linux option. Base models start at 699 USD, a hundred dollars less than the original launch price last year.
The previous generation arrived in 2023 with a starting price of 799 USD and limited choices of 10th‑gen Intel chips. The current price cut coincides with the removal of the assembly fee for customers who prefer to assemble the device themselves.
At the heart of the new machine sit the Intel Core i3‑1315U and i5‑1335U processors, built on Intel’s 13th‑generation hybrid architecture. Benchmarks suggest performance gains of roughly 20‑30 % in productivity workloads and improved power efficiency, translating to more than ten hours of battery life under moderate use.
Memory remains user‑replaceable, with 8 GB or 16 GB DDR5 modules that can be swapped without tools. Storage options continue to include NVMe M.2 SSDs of 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB, all compatible with Framework’s expansion slots.
The 12.3‑inch touchscreen preserves its 2160 × 1350 pixel resolution and 212 ppi density, supporting 10‑point multitouch. The chassis, constructed from aluminum alloy and carbon fiber, stays fully detachable, allowing owners to replace the battery, keyboard or webcam using official Framework modules.
New specifications
Framework broadens its port‑expansion lineup with cards that add USB‑C, HDMI 2.1 and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, alongside an upgraded audio module featuring dual microphones and wider‑range speakers. The open‑hardware design invites third‑party developers to create compatible accessories, reinforcing the company’s sustainability ethos.
Customization and Linux options
For the first time, the brand ships a pre‑built model running Linux (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS), targeting developers and users who favor open‑source software. This variant carries the same base price as the Windows version, and the open firmware lets owners switch operating systems after purchase.
Pre‑orders are live, with shipments slated for mid‑October. Orders can be placed through Framework’s official storefront or authorized resellers, with free shipping across most of the United States and Europe.
Market impact
The release strengthens Framework’s foothold in the modular‑laptop segment, putting it in direct competition with devices such as the Dell XPS 13 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which lack comparable component flexibility. The blend of lower pricing, cutting‑edge CPUs and an official Linux build may appeal to students, developers and tech enthusiasts seeking a more repairable and ethically sourced alternative to mainstream notebooks.