This new framework laptop starts at a price tag of just 549$. Available in several beautifully stunning colors, this is probably among the best laptops money can buy for tech enthusiasts.
Tech Specs
This little powerhouse has a 60Hz 1920X1200, 400 nits, 12.2" LCD 360 degree display with stylus support. This device boasts either a Intel i3-1315U or a Intel i5-1334U CPU. The maximum power consumption is around 60W. This device has integrated Intel UHD Graphics. For the operating system part, you can bring your own - Windows or Linux. It supports upto 2TB M.2 Nvme storage and 48GB of DDR5 5200Mhz single-channel RAM. It supports Wi-FI 6E and comes with a weight of 1.3KG. You can choose upto 4 ports of your choice including microSD card, SD card, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort, or Ethernet.
Additionally, it has a 1080p 30fps webcam and a 50Wh battery. You can choose to either build it yourself or get it pre-built.
You can find more details on framework's official website.
Why buy
Because it's fully modular, upgradable and repairable. As a wise man once said, "If you don't know what these terms mean, that's okay. Atleast your texts are blue."
Other than that though, the price tag is kinda unfair. Because for 549$, you'll be getting something that doesn't actually work. Unless you enjoy the BIOS for some reason, of course. You'll actually have to pay individually for the storage, RAM, OS, ports, charger and stuff. You can buy these directly from framework's website or bring your own.
Who's this for?
If you're in college, this might be perfect. It fits in your bagpack, you can upgrade or repair it and save money instead of buying a new laptop. The i3 and i5 versions are powerfull enough for almost anything.
This laptop is probably not suitable for users who do video editing, graphics designing etc. as it does not have a GPU. And extremely bad choice for gaming, too. Unless you enjoy 25fps at very low settings.
This could be good if all you need to do is programming, coding, browse the web or other such work. It can also probably handle some CPU-intensive tasks but the GPU is a big no.
Personal opinion
Personally, I would not buy it. This is an personal opinion though, and everybody has different needs, so you may want it according to yours.
I wouldn't buy it because it does not have a good GPU and I occasionally play games to take a break. Moreover, I already have a laptop with a 11th Gen Intel i5 so I'd be looking for a bigger upgrade too.
Still, If I didn't have this current laptop and were on a budget that could afford this, I might choose this but the bad GPU still remains a downside of it. Therefore, I'd probably research other laptops and would have to sacrifice the amazing open nature of framework laptop for a GPU.
If I had to buy one now anyway, it'd be the Framework 16.