Framework’s modular laptop now available with Intel Alder Lake (upgrade kits for Tiger Lake models coming soon)

The Framework Laptop is a thin and light notebook with premium components including a 13.5 inch, 2256 x 1504 pixel LCD display and support for up to an Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage.

It’s also unique in that it has a modular design: you can easily swap out ports. And not only are the memory and storage user replaceable, but so is the motherboard and processor.  So now that Framework has introduced a 2022 version of the Framework Laptop with support for up to an Intel Core i7-1280P Alder Lake processor, the company also announced that if you’ve already got an older model with an 11th-gen Intel chip, you’ll soon be able to purchase an upgrade kit that effectively turns a 1st-gen Framework Laptop into a 2nd-gen model.

The updated Framework Laptop is up for pre-order now with prices starting at $1,049 if you want a system that comes with memory, storage, and an operating system pre-installed. Or you can buy a DIY edition for $819 and up if you want to supply your own RAM, SSD, and/or OS.

While the 2nd-gen Framework Laptop comes with a new mainboard and processor, the board is exactly the same size as the original, which means that customers with a first-gen Framework Laptop who want to upgrade to a new processor will be able to buy a new mainboard and rather than a whole new laptop. With prices ranging from $449 to $1049, the mainboards aren’t exactly cheap, but this option could be much more affordable than the cost of buying a whole new laptop with similar specs.

There is one change that Framework has made to the chassis of its 2022 laptops: the lid is now made from a single block of 6063 aluminum that’s formed using “a full CNC process.” Framework says this improved rigidity.

If you’ve got an original Framework Laptop and want to upgrade to the new lid, you’ll be able to pay $89 for the new Top Cover or buy an upgrade kit that bundles the new lid with a new mainboard.

Here are some of the key pricing details:

• Framework Laptop (12th-gen Intel) with Core i5-1240P/8GB/256GB for $1049
• Framework Laptop (12th-gen Intel) with Core i7-1260P/16GB/512GB for $1449
• Framework Laptop (12th-gen Intel) with Core i7-1280P/32GB/1TB for $2049
• Framework Laptop DIY Edition (12th-gen Intel) for $819 and up (BYO RAM, SSD, and OS or choose custom configs)
• Mainboard with Core i5-1240P for $449
• Mainboard with Core i7-1260P for $669
• Mainboard with Core i7-1280P for $1049

All of the new models feature 55Wh batteries, backlit keyboards, fingerprint readers, hardware privacy switches, and support for WiFi 6E. The top of the line model ships with Windows 11 Pro, while lower cost models come with Windows 11 Home.

The Framework Laptop with 12th-gen Intel Core processor options is up for pre-order now and expected to begin shipping in July, 2022. The new Framework Mainboards are said to be “coming soon,” and you can add $89 to the price of any of those mainboards to get an upgrade kit that also includes a 2nd-gen top cover.

Or if you like the idea of a modular, upgradeable laptop, but want to save a few bucks, Framework is still selling last year’s model with 11th-gen Intel Core processor options and the company has dropped the price a bit:

• Framework Laptop (11th-gen Intel) with Core i5-1135G7/8GB/256GB for $899
• Framework Laptop (11th-gen Intel) with Core i7-1165G7/16GB/512GB for $1199
• Framework Laptop (11th-gen Intel) with Core i7-1185G7/32GB/1TB for $1699
• Framework Laptop DIY Edition (11th-gen Intel) for $679 and up (BYO RAM, SSD, and OS or choose

And if you want to upgrade down the road, it looks like you can do that. Framework had already demonstrated the ability to provide replacement parts for current-gen hardware, but now the company has delivered on the promise of modularity by offering an upgrade option that lets you upgrade the brains of a laptop.

While there’s no guarantee that we’ll see new boards with 13th, 14th, and 15th-gen Intel processors in the coming years, it looks a little more likely to happen today than it did yesterday.

In addition to updating the laptop, Framework has also added a new Expansion Card option: a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet module that can be slotted into one of the notebook’s 4 port sections. The Ethernet Expansion Card will be available later this year for $39, and it joins a number of existing Expansion Cards including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C and USB-A, and microSD card reader options as well as 250GB and 1TB SSDs.

via Framework Blog