Framework Laptop review: The anti-MacBook has arrived
Our Verdict
The Framework Laptop is versatile, easy to carry, and well-made, all while providing owners unparalleled ease of access to upgrade and repair it.
For
- Slim and portable
- Tall iii:two screen looks great
- Excellent keyboard
- Unprecedented access to change and repair
Confronting
- Unimpressive speakers with weak bass
- Fan is loud and unpredictable
Tom'southward Guide Verdict
The Framework Laptop is versatile, piece of cake to deport, and well-fabricated, all while providing owners unparalleled ease of access to upgrade and repair information technology.
Pros
- +
Slim and portable
- +
Tall 3:2 screen looks not bad
- +
Splendid keyboard
- +
Unprecedented admission to modify and repair
Cons
- -
Unimpressive speakers with weak bass
- -
Fan is loud and unpredictable
Framework Laptop (Professional SKU) specs
Price: $ane,399 as reviewed, $769 - $2,000+ based on config
Display: 13.5-inch iii:ii display (2,256 10 ane,504 pixels)
CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
GPU: Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD
Ports: 3.5mm audio jack, 4x configurable Expansion Cards
Size: xi.67 ten ix x 0.62 inches
Weight: two.8 pounds
The Framework Laptop is one of the most exciting PCs to cross my desk in the past decade. This is the anti-MacBook, the laptop that promises to permit you customize, repair, and upgrade it to an unprecedented degree, all while remaining affordable and ultraportable.
When Framework revealed the laptop in 2021, I was excited about those promises just dubious the company could deliver on them without some glaring sacrifices. Now that I've spent a few weeks reviewing 1, I'g pleased to report that Framework appears to have stuck the landing.
The Framework Laptop ($749 to kickoff, $one,399 every bit reviewed) we reviewed is versatile, well-fabricated, and one of the best laptops yous can buy — specially if you care about your right to repair and tinker with your devices.
Framework Laptop review: Price and configurations
- Priced betwixt $1,000 - $two,000
- Every bit cheap as $750 if yous provide some components & assemble yourself
The Framework laptop is currently merely available for purchase from the Framework website, and the toll tag starts at $999 — though you can pay every bit low equally $749 for the DIY Edition if you're willing to assemble your laptop yourself and provide your own retentivity, storage, operating arrangement, and Wi-Fi menu.
The base configuration of the Framework costs $999 pre-assembled and comes with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB NVMe SSD with Windows ten Home.
The performance configuration, which has a starting price of $1,399, gets you double the retentiveness and storage (16GB DDR4 and a 512GB NVMe SSD) plus a Core i7-1165G7 CPU and copy of Windows 10 Home.
The top-of-the-line professional configuration starts at $i,999, and for that you're getting an even more than powerful Core i7-1185G7 CPU, 32GB DDR4 RAM, a 1TB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6 plus vPro for enterprise work, and a copy of Windows x Pro.
Due to the ongoing fleck shortage, the visitor has had difficulty getting consistent supplies of one component. So it offered pre-orders in batches, and is now selling laptops in batches likewise: Each batch has its own send date listed when you order, and as of publication all configurations are shipping almost a month or two subsequently you lot order them.
Framework Laptop review: Design
- As low-cal and thin as a MacBook Air
- Yet somehow withal fully user-attainable
- Each replaceable function labelled with a handy QR lawmaking
The Framework sports a slim, unassuming aluminum chassis that blends correct in with all the other laptops in the coffee shop. Measuring in at 11.67 ten 9 x 0.62 inches and just two.viii pounds, this DIY ultraportable is as thin and just a hair lighter than Apple'due south MacBook Air with M1. That's an even more than impressive feat when you consider that the Framework squad accomplished that 0.62-inch thinness while yet ensuring the major components of the laptop are modular and user-replaceable, rather than soldered to the lath the style they are in the MacBook Air.
While the sleek and subtle pattern of the Framework chassis is easy on the eyes, the most exciting aspects are hidden abroad inside. To get there, you loosen five small screws on the bottom of the laptop. They're common Torx T5 screws and so y'all should have petty trouble finding a screwdriver to fit them, and Framework likewise ships every laptop with a packed-in screwdriver/spudger that has a swappable T5/PH0 bit which fits every screw on the Framework.
Loosen the case screws and information technology becomes possible to elevator the peak of the keyboard deck (Framework calls it the Input Cover) away from the automobile, exposing the neatly ordered guts inside. This is the heart of the Framework's promise: all the major components are clearly labeled and built to exist swapped out, from the bombardment to the rut sink to the mainboard. Information technology'southward the nigh user-friendly arroyo to PC upgrades I've e'er seen, as each swappable component is labeled with a QR lawmaking you can scan to become more information on the part and a guide on how to replace information technology. Framework is planning to tie even more functionality to these QR codes in the future, including links to purchase upgrades or resell parts on a future Framework Market.
Equally long equally you're careful, futzing around with the Framework's innards is pretty idiot-proof. I know because I'm an idiot.
I wish all PC component makers would include QR codes on their products, and I promise all laptop manufacturers will start treating their customers with the same respect Framework does. The accessibility of Framework'south laptop is such a refreshing change of stride from the way other laptop manufacturers practice business organization: even if you never feel the urge to tinker with your laptop's innards, simply knowing that the Framework is designed to allow you upgrade and repair information technology offers meaningful peace of mind.
And every bit long as you're careful, futzing around with the Framework'due south innards is pretty idiot-proof. I know because I'k an idiot, and fifty-fifty though information technology took me longer than I'd like to realize uncomplicated truths (including that the case screws are captive and not meant to come up out and so stop tugging on them, you fool) I managed non to break anything. The only real danger is damaging the ribbon cable which connects the touchpad to the motherboard, simply that can exist unplugged with relative ease.
The display is as well replaceable, and the bezel around information technology pops right off so you can quickly bandy it out for other color options. Our review unit arrived with only a black bezel, simply the visitor has shown off a red variant and has plans to offer more for auction through the Framework Marketplace in the time to come.
Framework Laptop review: Display
The 13.5-inch display itself is sharp and functional, with a tall 3:2 display ratio that accommodates a 2,256 10 ane,504 resolution. three:2 displays on laptops have get more common in contempo years, and I'k all for it — the extra vertical space helps you encounter more of a document or website at once, and that ways less scrolling during day-to-day tasks.
It works well for entertainment too, as I discovered while watching my way through Amazon's The Tomorrow State of war and Making the Cut flavour 2 during this review. The Framework's brandish has dainty wide viewing angles, and it makes colors look crisp and vibrant, ensuring Tim Gunn's salmon-shaded necktie conspicuously stood out against his cerulean shirt.
In our testing, the Framework's display achieved 112.v% of the sRGB spectrum, which means it'southward plenty colorful and close to the 100% sRGB ideal you lot might desire if y'all're going to exist doing serious photo editing. And the screen gets pretty vivid, achieving an average brightness of 418 nits and a peak brightness of 440 nits in our tests. That's dimmer than the non-OLED Dell XPS thirteen (469 nits) but brighter than competition like the M1-equipped MacBook Air (365 nits). This is important considering dim laptop screens tend to expect terrible in brilliant light, but in my experience the Framework gets plenty bright enough for comfortable use outdoors — though you'll still exist staring at your reflection quite a flake in direct sunlight.
Framework Laptop review: Ports
- i headphone jack + 4 user-configurable ports
- Choose-your-ain port system offers unparalleled laptop customization
The port options on the Framework are wonderful because to a certain extent, they're completely up to yous. There's only one port on the Framework you lot can't change: The three.5mm sound jack built into the left side of the laptop.
The balance of the laptop's ports are user-configurable thanks to the Framework's unique expansion bill of fare system. The bottom of the laptop sports four slots, each of which accepts a Framework Expansion Card that slides in with a click and connects to the laptop via USB-C. Swapping them out is every bit simple equally holding the security catch which secures the cards and sliding 1 out, and then sliding another one in. You can even hotswap ports while the laptop is running; Windows just reads it as swapping ane USB device for another.
During the review I found this incredibly useful. For starters, yous can put a USB-C port on either (or both) sides of the laptop to make plugging in the charger more user-friendly. Demand to pull images off your DSLR? Swap in a microSD card reader for a few minutes, so swap information technology out for something more useful when y'all're done.
Currently, Expansion Cards come in two flavors: storage (250 GB or one TB each) and ports (USB-A, USB-C, MicroSD, DisplayPort, and HDMI). The Framework ships with 4 USB-C cards by default, but yous tin can mix and friction match to your middle'south desire. Only exist enlightened they accept unlike costs: the MicroSD card reader, DisplayPort, and HDMI cards are each $10 more than than the USB cards, while the storage cards are currently $69 for 250 GB and $149 for 1 TB.
Framework says it has plans to release a broader variety of Expansion Cards (similar say, headphone amps) in the futurity, likewise as the goal of releasing the reference designs and specs for partner companies and the community to apply in designing their own cards.
Framework Laptop review: Performance
- Powerful enough for work
- Not great for cut-edge games
The Framework configuration nosotros tested performed well under pressure, handling the gauntlet that is my unorganized piece of work process (xxx+ open up tabs in Chrome with multiple audio and video streams running simultaneously) without any noticeable stutter or rut problems. However, the laptop's cooling fans occasionally kicked in during daily apply, and they're clumsily loud.
When we put the Framework to the test using the GeekBench v.4 multicore CPU benchmarking tool, the modular laptop with its Intel Core i7-1165G7 CPU earned a respectable score of 4,423. That's good plenty for most day-to-mean solar day work, but it pales in comparing to scores earned by the Core i7-equipped Dell XPS 13 (5,524) or the AMD Ryzen 7-equipped Asus ZenBook 13 OLED (6,411).
To get a sense of how quickly the Framework'south SSD tin can movement data around nosotros also tasked it with copying thousands of multimedia files — 25 GB in total — and measured how fast it completed the job. The Framework achieved a peak transfer speed of 787.32 MBps, a dandy score that tops those earned past the Dell XPS 13 (742 MBps) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (562 MBps) in the aforementioned exam. However, it's not quite as speedy as the Asus Zenbook xiii OLED (873 MBps) or the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (869 MBps).
The Framework probably won't be your ideal pick for editing video, but it can handle the work in a pinch. When nosotros asked the Framework to transcode a 4K video downwards to 1080p via Handbrake, information technology completed the chore in an boilerplate of thirteen minutes and nine seconds. That's pretty proficient, and it'south faster than the Dell XPS xiii (18:12), the 13-inch Surface Laptop iv (17:01) or the Samsung Galaxy Volume Pro 360 (16:24). However, it's still a few minutes slower than the AMD-powered Asus Zenbook 13 OLED (8:22).
While the Framework's lack of a discrete GPU makes it a poor choice for playing graphically enervating games, the Cadre i7 CPU gives information technology plenty muscle to play older and less demanding games well. I had a lot of fun noodling around in games like Crusader Kings Three and Othercide on the Framework, but don't expect to run Cyberpunk 2077 on this thing.
Framework Laptop review: Audio
- Speakers tin get loud
- Bass sounds muted
The speakers on the Framework tin get loud enough to cause real problems with your neighbors, every bit I discovered kickoff-mitt during testing. They should be plenty loud enough for your needs, and the quality of sound they kick out is pretty adept.
The bass is pretty muted compared to another laptops (I'm thinking specifically of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4), merely vocals like those on Bill Withers' "Lovely Day" sound clear and warm.
Framework Laptop review: Keyboard and touchpad
- Keyboard feels great to type on
- Fingerprint reader in the power button is a nice touch
I've typed on a good number of laptop keyboards this year, and the Framework is hands my favorite. My big hands balance comfortably on the deck, each primal is large enough — and more importantly, has enough infinite around information technology — that I rarely hit another key by mistake, and the 1.5mm of key travel is enough to make every key press feel satisfying and distinct. The fingerprint reader built into the ability push is also a nice bear upon.
The touchpad beneath the keyboard is besides easy to reach and comfy to use. In my experience, the best touchpads are the ones you don't have much to say most, because they just piece of work. The Framework has just such a touchpad, and in my feel it's reliable and works well. I had no issues using it throughout my workday, whether I was using Windows gesture controls to swap betwixt apps or borer and swiping through some later on-hours web browsing.
Framework Laptop review: Webcam
- 1080p webcam delivers good epitome quality
- Separate switches for physically disabling webcam/microphone
The 1080p webcam built into the pinnacle lip of the Framework's display is a welcome alter from the grainy 720p cameras so many modern laptops still sport. It captures vibrant images, and during Zoom calls the video quality is clear and smooth. There'south no IR camera for facial authentication via Windows Howdy, but yous can use the fingerprint reader on the keyboard for biometric hallmark.
The physical privacy shutter built into the camera is a nice bear on. The webcam is flanked by a pair of small plastic switches: the 1 on the left cuts ability to the microphone, the one on the right cuts ability to the camera. It'southward a level of respect for user privacy that I wish all laptop manufacturers would evidence their customers, even if I think most of us volition never have cause to intendance.
Framework Laptop review: Heat
- Laptop gets warm but non hot
- Loud fan sometimes kicks on during daily use
The Framework can go warm plenty to go along your lap toasty, but in the course of testing it never became uncomfortable, even when playing games. When we used our infrared heat gun to accept the laptop'southward temperature after it spent 15 minutes under heavy load, we plant the hottest point (topping out at 98.four degrees) is on the heart of the underside, most the hinge.
Withal, I did notice some serious fan noise coming out of the laptop. Not always during heavy apply, either; to the reverse, a few times I was continuing across the room doing something else entirely when suddenly I'd hear the Framework's fans kick on. I oasis't been able to isolate why this occasionally happened with our review unit of measurement, and information technology doesn't touch on performance or employ in any way, but it is surprisingly loud.
Framework Laptop review: Battery life
- ten+ hours of battery life
- Bombardment charges quickly
The Framework'south battery doesn't interruption any records, but it's good enough to become you through a day of work without needing to pack a charger. In our battery examination, which sets the laptop'south screen brightness to 150 nits and tasks it with incessantly browsing the web via Wi-Fi, the Framework lasted 10 hours and 17 minutes. That's meliorate than the Dell XPS xiii (7:59), though not virtually as long-lived every bit the Samsung Milky way Book Pro 360 (13:33) or the Asus Zenbook 13 OLED (15:00). And of class, it nevertheless can't come close to matching the MacBook Pro with M1's remarkable xvi-hour bombardment life.
Withal, 10+ hours on a single charge is nothing to sneeze at. The Framework charges speedily, also; I plugged it in at v% power, and about an hr later the bombardment was up to 74% power.
Framework Laptop review: Verdict
At that place'due south a lot to dearest about Framework'due south inaugural laptop. Working on information technology is downright comfortable cheers to the nice tall screen and spacious, satisfying keyboard. Information technology'south sparse and lite enough to throw in a bag for all-twenty-four hour period carry, and the ten-hour battery life should let you become away with not packing a charger. Plus, the swappable card organisation lets y'all reconfigure it on the fly with whatever ports y'all'll need for the solar day.
Just the real selling point is how wonderfully accessible and repairable the Framework Laptop is, and the value of that volition vary profoundly depending on how excited yous are to crack ane open. For those of us who prize having piece of cake access to our devices, the Framework is the best instance yet that laptops tin can be powerful, portable, user-accessible, and all the same sold for a competitive price. It'southward a existent achievement, one I'd similar to come across other laptop manufacturers copy.
But if you'd rather non worry about swapping out pieces of your laptop, there are other devices on the market which evangelize better performance than the Framework for less. The Asus Zenbook xiii OLED, for example, is an fantabulous ultraportable that tops out at effectually $1k and offers a gorgeous OLED screen, great performance, and fantastic bombardment life.
And of course, a big part of the Framework Laptop's value is tied upwardly in how well the company supports the community post-launch. Framework has beauteous plans to continue releasing new expansion cards and components, as well as reference designs and specs so both partner companies and the community at large can build their ain accessories and sell them on the Framework Marketplace.
If that all pans out, owning a Framework Laptop could grant yous access to a community of fans and vendors for years to come up. But if Framework can't follow through on its promises, Framework owners might end up on their own.
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/framework-laptop-review-hands-on-the-anti-macbook-is-here
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