Framework gave its 12-inch laptop some hardware upgrades

Framework has refreshed its 12-inch convertible laptop, introducing Intel’s latest Core Series 3 processors, expanded hardware customizations, and a pre-built Linux option. The cheapest pre-built base configuration for the Framework Laptop 12 now starts at $699 — $100 less than the previous version when it launched last year. Preorders are open now, with the first wave of deliveries expected to ship in October.

That pre-built base configuration is only available in green, and includes an Intel Core 3 304 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It also comes preloaded with Linux Fedora 44 KDE Plasma, a decision brought on by Framework finding that almost 80 percent of Laptop 12 owners are already running Linux “across a range of distros.” You can still configure the updated laptop to come with Microsoft’s Windows 11 Home operating system instead, but doing so will increase the price by $100.

Framework says that the Core Series 3 is “purpose built for smaller, lower-power, entry-priced laptops,” and should help to improve battery life, temperatures, and fan noise on the more powerful chip options. The Core 3 304 chip only has one performance core, however, and the only laptop we’ve tested with this Intel Wildcat Lake processor left us bitterly disappointed.

That chip update does allow for a smattering of internal hardware and port improvements, including higher DDR5 memory speeds of up to 6400 MT/s, Wi-Fi 7 R2, and Thunderbolt 4 support for the rear two Expansion Card slots, which allows you to plug in two 4K 60Hz displays or eGPUs. One small downgrade is that the front two USB slots are now only USB 3.2 Gen 2, but Framework says all four slots still support power input for charging.

For all Core 5 and Core 7 configurations, the Laptop 12 now includes two additional features as standard: a fingerprint reader built into the power button, and a backlit keyboard. The illuminated keyboard is also available as an optional customization on the DIY Edition of the Laptop 12, which starts at $549 and provides more color options compared to the pre-built version. The original Laptop 12 that uses 13th Gen Intel Core chips is still available if none of this entices you, however, and prices now start at $699 for the pre-built version or $499 for the DIY Edition.