Framework has finally unveiled its most significant revision yet to the modular laptop that captured the hearts of tinkerers and sustainability advocates: the Framework Laptop 13 Pro. While the company has iterated on the original design with new hinges, speakers, and lid options over the past few years, the Laptop 13 Pro represents the closest thing to a full second-generation redesign. Early reviews are effusive about the improved battery life, aluminum chassis, and refined fit and finish—but a global RAM shortage, dubbed “RAMageddon” by some, has pushed prices skyward, leading to a mix of excitement and frustration among potential buyers.
The Laptop 13 Pro builds on Framework’s core mission of repairability and upgradability. According to Ars Technica, the new model breaks backward compatibility with some key components from the original Laptop 13, including the bottom case, keyboard, trackpad, and the old 55 Wh and 61 Wh batteries. This allowed Framework to make more dramatic improvements, most notably in battery life—a longstanding complaint of the original. Notebookcheck reports that during hands-on testing, the improvements were “night and day,” while Tom’s Hardware notes that the new chassis “cleans up nice,” with a more premium feel.
Built for Linux, Praised by Enthusiasts
Framework CEO Nirav Patel has described the Laptop 13 Pro as “the MacBook Pro for Linux users,” a tagline embraced by The Verge and TechRadar. The machine ships with full Linux support, and early buyers are overwhelmingly positive. One user on TechRadar’s coverage said, “I cannot express how excited and proud I am to be supporting this company.” The laptop is powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. PCMag Australia called it “a MacBook rival you can tear down to the studs,” highlighting the modular design that allows users to swap out not only storage and RAM but also the mainboard, screen, and keyboard.
The 13-inch 3:2 display remains a favorite among productivity users, and the new keyboard and trackpad have been improved. Wired praised the “more take-apartable” design, while ExtremeTech highlighted the “ultra-repairable” construction. Geeky Gadgets provided a detailed upgrade guide, showing that while the Laptop 13 Pro maintains the same expansion card system (USB-C, HDMI, etc.), many internal components are new.
RAMageddon: The $800 Price Hike
But the buzz has been overshadowed by a sharp price increase driven by a global spike in memory costs. The Verge reported that thanks to “RAMageddon,” the Laptop 13 Pro already went up in price by $800 from initial estimates. Framework had to adjust pricing for configurations with higher RAM, and some orders are being downgraded. MSN noted that Framework is downgrading some Laptop 13 Pro orders after a massive RAM cost spike, leaving early backers disappointed. The base model starts at a competitive price, but fully loaded configurations now rival premium ultrabooks like the MacBook Pro.
“This is my new favorite laptop, but thanks to RAMageddon it already went up in price by $800,” wrote The Verge’s Monica Chin. Ars Technica echoed the sentiment, noting that while the Laptop 13 Pro is a fantastic machine, “much better battery, much worse price” sums up the dilemma. Digital Trends faced a 403 error, but the article’s headline called it “the repairable MacBook Pro killer Linux users have been waiting for,” implying high hopes tempered by cost.
Industry Context
The price hike isn’t unique to Framework. The entire laptop market has seen price increases due to memory and component shortages. However, Framework’s modular ethos—where users can upgrade parts over time—makes the initial price particularly painful. Notebookcheck reported that over a third of Laptop 13 Pro buyers are reportedly ex-MacBook Pro users, drawn by the promise of longevity. Yet, the high entry cost may deter budget-conscious consumers.
Framework announced the Laptop 13 Pro alongside an OcuLink kit and a lap keyboard, broadening its ecosystem. The company continues to offer DIY editions and pre-built systems, with the Laptop 13 Pro available for pre-order now. Community forums are abuzz with debates over whether the price is justified given the quality of materials and repairability.
What the Critics Say
Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive on the hardware. PC Gamer (in a review of the Intel Core Ultra Series 1 version) called it a solid performer, while Tom’s Hardware noted that the new chassis is a significant leap forward. Notebookcheck hands-on described the improvements as “night and day” compared to the original. Mashable called it “a repairable MacBook Pro alternative,” and Gizmochina highlighted the swappable LPDDR5X memory and aluminum chassis.
However, some outlets urge caution. The Verge’s review noted that while the Laptop 13 Pro is fantastic, the price increase makes it a harder sell. Tom’s Hardware pointed out that upgradability comes at a premium. Framework’s commitment to reducing e-waste is commendable, but the company now faces the challenge of balancing sustainability with affordability.
The Bottom Line
The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is a triumph of engineering and a milestone for the right-to-repair movement. With its improved battery, premium build, and Linux-first approach, it rightly earns comparisons to the MacBook Pro. But the RAMageddon-induced price spike has left a sour taste for many, underscoring the vulnerability of a hardware company to global supply-chain shocks. For those who can afford it, the Laptop 13 Pro is arguably the best modular laptop on the market. For everyone else, it may be worth waiting for memory prices to stabilize or for Framework to offer more affordable configurations.
Key Specifications and Features
- 13.5-inch 3:2 display with optional touchscreen
- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors
- Swappable LPDDR5X RAM (up to 64 GB)
- Aluminum chassis with redesigned keyboard and trackpad
- Battery life improved by up to 40% over original Laptop 13
- Full Linux support (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.)
- Expansion Card system (USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, etc.)
- Customizable bezel, keyboard, and expansion cards
- Pricing starts at $1,099 (DIY) but can exceed $2,500 with upgrades
What Comes Next
Framework has already sold out of several configurations due to high demand. The company is working to increase supply and is offering a “RAM upgrade later” option for those who want to defer the memory cost. Industry analysts suggest that memory prices may stabilize in the second half of 2025. Meanwhile, competitors are watching closely—Dell, Lenovo, and others have launched repairability-focused models, but none match Framework’s modularity.
For the Linux community, the Laptop 13 Pro is a dream machine. For the environment, it’s a step in the right direction. For your wallet, it’s a gamble. As The Verge summed up: “It’s my new favorite laptop, but I’m not sure I can recommend it to everyone right now.”
