(Credit: Framework Computer)
Framework Computer, the maker of fully upgradable laptops, is back with a refreshed 13-inch PC that features Intel's latest Core Ultra processors, an improved display, and a better web camera.
The Core Ultra chips promise to raise the performance for the upcoming fourth-generation Framework Laptop 13, which is available now to preorder and ships in August.
In a YouTube clip, Framework Computer CEO Nirav Patel says the Core Ultra chips increased battery life for video playback while offering a “massive leap” in the built-in GPU capabilities. Interested customers can pick from the Ultra 5 125H chip, Ultra 7 155H, and Ultra 7 165H.
(Credit: Framework Computer)The other major change involves increasing the display resolution on the 13.5-inch screen to a 2,280-by-1,920, 120Hz panel—a substantial improvement from the 2,256-by-1,504, 60Hz screen in last year’s model. "From a normal viewing point, you actually can’t see the pixels at all, so text looks super sharp," Patel says.
The new display resolution also means it can run Linux without suffering from "fractional scaling," a complaint users have had in the past. Instead, Linux users can configure the display to support 2:1 scaling. Meanwhile, the 120Hz refresh rate promises to make the mouse cursor and window scrolling smoother.
"We've also increased the brightness. This goes up to 500 Nits now, which means it’s pretty awesome for us in outdoor environments, in bright sunlight,” Patel added. And in good news for existing customers, the new display can be installed on older 13-inch models.
Another significant change is an improved microphone and a new 1080p web camera, which uses a 9.2-megapixel image sensor to improve video call clarity.
"Instead of running the new Omnivision 9.2MP image sensor at its native resolution, we use a mode that groups each set of four subpixels together into large, high-sensitivity pixels, much like modern smartphone cameras do," Framework added in a blog post. "This means we get amazing 1080p performance, especially in low-light conditions."
Other changes include revamping the cooling system and swapping out the DDR4 RAM for DDR5 with enough space for 96GB.
The new Framework Laptop 13 starts at $1,099 with the Ultra 5 125H processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The top-end model will cost $2,099. Stay tuned for our review.
The company also has news for AMD fans. The Framework 13 laptop that supports AMD's Ryzen 7040 series now starts at $799 for the do-it-yourself edition, down from $849. In addition, the starting price for last year’s Intel 13th generation Framework 13 laptop has dropped to $949.