The most affordable laptop from Framework is now focused on competing with the MacBook Neo.

      The introduction of the MacBook Neo has significantly increased competition in the budget laptop market. Apple demonstrated that it's possible to offer more value for just a few hundred dollars. This shift prompted Windows laptop manufacturers to quickly present competitive options, with Framework also responding with its least expensive notebook.

      In May, YouTuber Jeff Geerling made a direct comparison between the original Framework Laptop 12 and Apple's budget MacBook. The MacBook outperformed it in speed, noise levels, efficiency, build quality, and display quality. Although the Framework laptop boasted repairability, upgradeability, a touchscreen, and a 360-degree hinge, the Neo still surpassed it in overall value.

      Framework clearly sought to improve its standing. The company has now launched a substantially upgraded Framework Laptop 12 featuring Intel's new Core Series 3 processors, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, faster memory support, and potentially improved battery life. Preorders are currently available, with the initial orders expected to ship in October.

      Framework has introduced a $699 option… to some extent.

      A prebuilt Framework Laptop 12 with Fedora starts at $699 and includes a Core 3 304 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Apple is also pricing its entry-level MacBook Neo at $699, which features an A18 Pro chip, 8GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD. However, opting for Windows preinstalled will set you back an additional $100. Conveniently, Apple's 512GB MacBook Neo is available for $799.

      For this price point, you receive a 12.2-inch 1920 x 1200 touchscreen, a 360-degree hinge, and stylus support. The Framework model retains its classic upgradeable DDR5 memory, replaceable M.2 storage, and four customizable Expansion Card slots. In contrast, Apple offers a larger, more vibrant 13-inch display alongside the remarkable efficiency of its fanless A18 Pro system, but RAM and storage are soldered.

      Revisions Framework made to its budget laptop

      The new Intel processors may represent the most significant enhancement. Framework provides configurations with Core 3 304, Core 5 320, and Core 7 350 processors. Early tests showed that the Core 5 320 provided a 70% improvement in battery life during 4K Netflix streaming compared to the Core i5-1334U version of the previous Laptop 12.

      Two of the four Expansion Card slots now include Thunderbolt 4 support, allowing for high-speed peripherals, eGPUs, and dual 4K 60Hz external displays. Additionally, Framework upgraded its connectivity to Wi-Fi 7 and enhanced memory support to DDR5-6400 with a capacity of up to 64GB.

      Framework also addressed two minor concerns frequently mentioned by users. A fingerprint reader is now a standard feature on Core 5 and Core 7 configurations, while a new backlit keyboard is optional and comes standard on prebuilt Fedora Core 5 and Core 7 systems. The display might still be a drawback, as Framework continues to use the existing 12.2-inch 60Hz LCD with a limited 50% NTSC color gamut.