Framework 13 Pro review: almost the «MacBook for Linux»
The Pro model of the modular Framework laptop is a big step up from its predecessors. It’s not quite the «MacBook for Linux» that was promised – but it’s the next best thing.
The first framework, released in 2021, was a clear signal in the fight against electronic waste. A modular laptop that you can customise, upgrade and repair yourself. A brilliant and sustainable concept. The Framework 13 is still a great gadget, but it’s a bit outdated on the hardware and design front. That’s where the new Pro model comes into play. Framework itself calls it the «MacBook for Linux». That’s true in some respects, but not in others.
Sleek design, state-of-the-art hardware and still modular
The Framework 13 Pro has been slimmed down. The new, sleek, CNC-machined aluminium chassis immediately makes me think of a MacBook. And unlike with Apple, I actually get true black here. The chassis doesn’t feel quite as high-end as Apple’s version. One reason for this is the display bezel, with its interchangeable front panel that’s still made of plastic. But this means you can go for a retro transparent look, like I did. The display wobbles a bit more than on the MacBook. It doesn’t bother me and, unlike my coworkers – who’ve been teasing me about it since day one – I actually like the pop of colour.
I can choose from several colours, for both the bezel and the four connection modules. I can put these modules together however I like, and can also swap them out while the gadget is being used. There’s now a small slider for locking or unlocking the modules. I can choose between USB-A, USB-C, SD card and more. I don’t have that option on the MacBook Pro, but it does have five ports.
You should be aware that, in the AMD version, not all four slots are the same. Two are USB 3.2, while the other two are USB 4. With the Intel version, you get four Thunderbolt 4 ports. In my case, I had to move a USB-C module from the USB 4 port to the 3.2 port so that I could use two external monitors at the same time. I suspect there’s a driver issue behind this.
The next major upgrade involves the core component. You can either buy the Framework as a complete package or put it together yourself as a DIY version. You can choose from two AMD motherboards and three Intel motherboards. In the rush to pre-order, I foolishly ended up picking the version with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The Intel model with the new Core 3 Ultra Series would’ve been much more exciting. But it’s no longer backward compatible with previous Framework laptops. In any case, not all of the new elements fit into the old Framework models any more. The Intel version’s one of the first laptops ever to use LPCAMM2 RAM modules. They have a different form factor, which means you no longer need two modules to take advantage of dual-channel speed, as is the case with SO-DIMMs.
Like the new Intel CPU, LPCAMM2 modules are more energy-efficient. But the price of them has risen even more sharply than for regular DDR5 RAM, and their availability is even worse. You’re basically forced to buy RAM through Framework, and you’ll end up paying anywhere from 200 Swiss francs for 16 gigabytes to a whopping 1,500 Swiss francs for 64 gigabytes.
The AMD version’s definitely better value, but it’s still expensive – like all PC hardware these days. The most affordable option, without RAM or an SSD, starts at 1,300 Swiss francs. The upgrade from the Ryzen AI 7 350 to the faster Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 will set you back an additional 230 Swiss francs.
The price for Intel starts at 1,110 Swiss francs because there’s a third, more affordable CPU – the Intel Core Ultra 5 325. The top-of-the-line model with the Ultra X9 388H will set you back a hefty 1,660 Swiss francs and is currently unavailable.
Since I ordered the DIY version, I have to get the RAM and SSD on my own – luckily, I have access to them right here. I’m pairing the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 in my Framework 13 Pro with a 2-terabyte WD Black SN850X and 2x16-gigabyte DDR5-5600 RAM from Crucial. All in all, the total cost currently comes to over 2,300 Swiss francs. That’s a hefty sum, but it’s still a bit cheaper than a MacBook Pro 14 with similar specs. Its price tag is 2,500 Swiss francs.
Faster and longer-lasting
The third major upgrade involves the battery. With the first Framework, I had to make do with a measly 55 Wh. That was one of its major weaknesses. The battery in the Pro delivers a whopping 74 Wh. Especially when paired with the more energy-efficient Intel Panther Lake chips, this results in a laptop with long battery life. I wasn’t able to test this myself, but the folks at Tom’s Hardware measured a runtime of almost 16 hours in their benchmark. The only laptop to beat this is the latest MacBook Pro 14 M5, which lasts two hours longer.
My AMD model is also a big step up from its predecessor. But you can tell that AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 series is already two years old. I run my tests on Windows 11. I really wanted to use Linux, because I thought that would be the best way to judge Frameworks’ claims. With Zorin OS, my first choice, the imprecise mouse control was annoying, so I switched to Ubuntu. Along with Fedora, it’s one of the two officially supported Linux distributions. Ubuntu runs great, but the joy of finally moving away from Windows (and macOS) was short-lived. After one compromise too many, I begrudgingly installed Windows 11. For now, my Linux dreams will have to wait.
I’m using my three-year-old MacBook Pro 14 M3 as a comparison. Although its battery life isn’t as long as on Apple’s latest lineup, this gadget is still one of the longest-lasting on the market. In the Procyon Battery Benchmark, which simulates various everyday office tasks, the Framework with Ryzen AI 9 is head and shoulders above its competitors.
On the performance front, the AMD version falls behind the Intel version and the MacBook Pro M5. The differences are, in some cases, drastic. It’s the same story with games. Still, the numbers are impressive.
The rest of the hardware is also solid, but there’s still room for improvement. The IPS screen has a resolution of 2880 × 1920 pixels. This gives a crystal-clear image, although the anti-glare coating makes it look slightly duller than the one on my MacBook. I also appreciate the 3:2 aspect ratio, which I still think is the best one for office work. The refresh rate ranges from 30 to 120 Hertz, making everything feel as smooth as butter. On the other hand, after years of using a MacBook, I didn’t miss the touchscreen. Sure, it’s a nice-to-have feature, just like the ability to flip the screen open 180 degrees.
At 700 Nits, the display’s also quite bright. I’m disappointed to report that the device doesn’t support HDR.
The keyboard – which is also available in a Swiss layout – is nice to type on. The keys feel softer than on a MacBook and don’t seem quite as premium. But that’s purely a matter of personal preference.
The power button also acts as a fingerprint scanner. It’s quick and reliable.
Minor flaws and weaknesses
I’m less enthusiastic about the webcam. I can physically deactivate it – just like the microphone – using the slider above the display. But despite the 1080p resolution, the image quality is mediocre at best. In good light, everything looks decent. But as soon as I’m in a darker room, the quality drops sharply. It’s still definitely good enough for regular video calls.
The pair of 2-watt side-firing speakers is also no improvement over the old ones, which were located on the bottom. The sound is thin and tinny. Even Dolby Atmos support can’t change that. Especially when compared to the excellent speakers in the MacBook Pro, it’s an insult to the ears. But it’s the same story here too – it’s good enough for watching a show or listening to music every now and then.
The single fan installed in the Framework is usually silent. Occasionally, it can be heard briefly, but usually only during intensive computing tasks. Even then, it’s still at an acceptable level. But here, too – I don’t know when I last heard the fan in my MacBook Pro. What bothers me more is the heat the device gives off. It was particularly noticeable during the hot summer we just had. The Framework gets almost too hot for me to rest it on my bare thighs. On a desk, it’s no problem at all.
Last but not least, there’s the haptic trackpad. It’s just as precise as the one I’m used to on my MacBook. At least on Ubuntu; on Windows, it’s a bit less responsive. In addition to improved precision, the haptic trackpad’s also responsible for the clicking sensation. This isn’t mechanical; instead, it’s simulated through haptic feedback. It’s exactly this click that occasionally malfunctions. Every now and then, it stops working for a minute, then it’s back again. This could be a driver issue or, as is often the case with the Framework, it could be because the hardware isn’t installed correctly.
Modular and repairable
The Framework’s major advantage sometimes turns out to be more of a drawback. I realised this right away with the first model – I had to replace a defective motherboard twice. So it’s possible that the trackpad glitches are caused by a loose contact. However, so far I’ve only installed the RAM and the SSD; I haven’t tinkered with anything else on the device. And yet the Framework practically invites you to do so.
Using the screwdriver provided, I loosen the five screws on the back. Then I can remove the keyboard, revealing the inner workings of the Framework. All elements are clearly labelled. The connectors have coloured tabs, so I can easily pull them out. QR codes take me directly to detailed instructions. A laptop couldn’t be built any better than this. Upgrades or repairs are a breeze, even with the latest Framework.
In a nutshell
Impressive despite minor flaws
The Framework 13 Pro comes close to being the perfect laptop. Its modular design and the ability to upgrade and repair it make it perhaps the most durable laptop ever. These tasks are so simple and are explained in such a straightforward way that I almost find myself hoping that something breaks.
Thanks to the new black aluminium chassis, the gadget looks great – and I can add pops of colour if I want to. It also features a large, precise haptic trackpad and a bright touchscreen, plus sliders for the microphone and webcam.
It’s a shame that the device sometimes misses the mark – it gets toasty, the webcam and speakers are mediocre at best and the trackpad occasionally has glitches. Hopefully, some of these issues will be addressed in future updates. If that happens, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Framework 13 Pro – provided you have the necessary funds.
Pro
- High-performance
- Improved battery life (especially with the Intel version)
- Ports can be selected and interchanged in any combination
- Easy to repair and upgrade
- Sleek design that can be customised to match any colour scheme
- Microphone and camera can be physically deactivated
- Touchscreen with 3:2 aspect ratio
Contra
- Gets hot
- Webcam and speakers are mediocre at best
- Haptic feedback on the trackpad occasionally glitches
As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.
