The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is the repairable laptop perfected, but the RAM-based pricing is cause for concern

Framework’s new Laptop 13 Pro is a “complete ground-up redesign” of the company’s original Framework Laptop 13 that debuted back in 2021. Originally, when I saw the laptop this past spring, it was pitched for power users and developers, especially with the ability to install Ubuntu Linux out of the box. I was ready to crown it one of the best laptops then and there.

At the time, CEO Nirav Patel was promising not to gouge customers over RAM pricing and making apocalyptic predictions on the future of personal computing. Unfortunately, while my Laptop 13 Pro review unit was still in the mail, Framework announced increased RAM pricing that basically doubled the price for certain tiers.

The laptop features a sturdier design with a new matte black color scheme (though certain parts can be swapped out to a more N64-esque transparent plastic). The aluminum chassis feels stronger than the one in the older Framework Laptop 13 too and operates smoothly.

The new 13.5-inch touchscreen display is brighter with a decent 30 - 120Hz refresh rate. Plus, it comes with a larger 74 WHr battery that promises 20 hours of use.

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro might be the best version of the company’s system to date, but pricing and availability make it hard to recommend right now. Find out why this is a tough decision in my full review!

Framework Laptop 13 Pro: Cheat sheet

• What is it? The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is a modular, repairable laptop with an aluminum chassis, bright touchscreen display, and lots of customization options on both the hardware and software sides.
• Who is it for? Power users, developers, and those who want to upgrade or repair their laptop easily.
• What does it cost? The Framework Laptop 13 Pro starts at $1,199 for the DIY edition (before you pick parts) and $1,599 for the pre-built version.
• What do we like? The premium build, modular design, bright display, and excellent battery life.
• What don’t we like? The price is high, and it's not exactly available. Plus, the webcam isn’t great.

Framework Laptop 13 Pro: Specs

Framework Laptop 13 Pro: The ups

The Framework Laptop 13 Pro impresses with its sturdy design, modular system, and excellent battery life.

Sturdy, premium-feeling design

On the surface, the Laptop 13 Pro will look familiar to fans of the Laptop 13 as it shares a similar size and overall design. However, the new matte black finish feels more premium than the older silver hue. Likewise, the hinge on its aluminum chassis feels smoother than the older one.

It’s the parts where you can feel the difference, including the “purpose-built” 13.5-inch display that comes with a 700-nit screen and 2880x1920 resolution. Yes, the plastic bezel, which comes in a variety of colors, feels flimsy and attaches with magnets, but I found it a fun bit of flair, especially with the transparent orange version I tested.

The keyboard deck feels solid too, and Framework put some thought into replacing it (more on that below). I found the keys large and spaced well for typing.

Measuring 11.67 x 9 x 0.62 inches and weighing just over 3 lbs, it’s not as light as the budget-friendly Dell XPS 13, but it will fit comfortably in your backpack for travel.

The modular choice is yours

Framework promises you can upgrade older laptops with new parts and promises easy repairability. That continues with the Framework Laptop 13 Pro. In fact, if you have a Laptop 13, you could buy the necessary parts to turn it into a 13 Pro (though some components like the bottom panel would need to be swapped to accommodate the new, larger battery).

I reviewed the DIY edition of the Laptop 13 Pro, which meant installing the Framework-supplied SSD, RAM, and display bezel. The only tool you need is the Torx T5 screwdriver, which comes with the laptop. Everything was easy to slot in, and Framework provides guides so you don’t break anything or need a little help along the way.

One of my favorite small additions in the 13 Pro is a new little pop-up nodule under the keyboard deck. It makes separating the laptop for repairs easier once you’ve unscrewed the bottom panel screws. The older 13 doesn’t have this nodule, which means you have to do a little more prying to get into the laptop.

Outside of that, you can replace everything else on the laptop, and Framework sells parts from new displays and batteries to bezels and expansion cards that let you swap out a USB-C port for an Ethernet jack or an HDMI port. My configuration came with 2 USB-C expansion cards and 2 USB-A ones.

MacBook levels of battery life

These days, the best laptops for battery life promise well north of 14 hours of use. Framework claims the 13 Pro can last up to 20 hours, which would put it in line with the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and its 21 hours of use.

In our lab tests, we achieved nearly 17 hours of screen on time, averaging 16 hours and 48 minutes of battery life. Even running Windows 11, this new battery is no joke. Our battery test browses websites, streams videos, and runs light OpenGL tests, meaning this beats even most other Windows-based laptops.

Framework Laptop 13 Pro: The downs

Overall, the Framework Laptop 13 Pro is a pretty good laptop. However, as of this writing, the biggest flaw has nothing to do with the technology itself but rather the exploding price. This also means that the adequate performance isn’t quite enough for the money you’re going to pay.

Additionally, availability is a concern, as most new parts and the laptop itself aren’t available for at least another six months.

From hobbyist to premium

There are other flaws, but the price and availability of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro are the biggest drawbacks. As of this writing, every iteration of the 13 Pro is up for pre-order and won’t ship until November. Additionally, if you have the Laptop 13 and want to upgrade, the necessary parts are listed as “Registered Interest” or “Coming Soon” in Framework’s shop.

As for price, when I put in our preferences for the version we wanted to test, it still had a high but reasonable price for the laptop. Since receiving the laptop, the prices have nearly doubled thanks to the ongoing RAM crisis. Prices for individual LPCAMM2 modules now reach $800 and $1,600 for the 32GB and 64GB, respectively.

Currently, on the Framework website, the configuration I tested is $2,915. The prebuilt version of the laptop we tested now goes for $2,899, up from $2,099 at launch. That said, the 16GB version only saw a $100 increase to $1,599, so if you’re not hogging too much RAM, that might work for you.

Look, everything is more expensive. The Dell XPS 14, our current pick for the best Windows laptop, in a similar configuration as what I tested, will set you back $2,579. The question is whether upgradeability is worth an extra $400 to you.

Performance is okay for the price

I specifically tested the mid-level Framework Laptop 13 Pro because, at the time, it had a friendlier price point and improved performance over the entry model. I also tested the laptop with Windows 11 for an easier comparison to other laptops we’ve tested.

On Geekbench 6.7, the Laptop 13 Pro managed a single-core score of 2836 and a multicore score of 14,715. I’ll note that the Intel CPU is only cooled by one fan, and while I didn’t notice any heating issues during my testing, this isn’t a laptop you’re going to want to redline.

The Dell XPS 14 is much higher, but again I wonder if cooling could improve the performance. The Framework does have comparable single-core performance.

I’ve put this in the downs section, but honestly it’s mostly because of the price. For what you’re paying, I believe you’d want a little more oomph. At its previous cost, I could recommend the 13 Pro and say that it’ll get the job done and you’d have enough juice for some light gaming as long as you turn the settings down and don’t mind playing at 1080p. But at the current price, I’m not sure it’s enough.

Finally, this is a bit of a nitpick, but if your job requires you to be on a lot of Zoom calls, the webcam turns on. I found it a bit grainy no matter the quality of my internet speed or lighting. Plus, for those who use it, the laptop doesn’t have an infrared camera for Windows Hello.

Framework Laptop 13 Pro: Verdict

I really want to recommend the Framework Laptop 13 Pro. I believe in what they’re doing wholeheartedly, and I’ve been quite impressed with the upgradeable and repairable system the company has developed. It’s fun to put together, easy to use, and there are a ton of configuration options to choose from. Plus, Framework has leaned into letting you put whatever OS you want on this laptop, from Windows to Linux and everything in between.

And it's not their fault by any means, but RAM prices have truly made what is already a niche product in the PC world a harder sell. If the prices were still around what they were when it was first unveiled, I’d easily recommend giving the 13 Pro a shot. It’s a great little laptop you’ll be able to use, repair, and even upgrade for years to come. But at nearly $3K, I’m just not sure. Especially with limited availability and a shipping timetable that won’t get you a computer until November?

If you can support an interesting company doing interesting things, then go for it, but if you actually need a laptop right now, this might not be the one for you.