The Most Customizable Laptop You Can Buy

Modularity. Repairability. Sustainability. The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) delivers all three with swappable ports, upgradeable everything, and a unique translucent panel design option.

At $1,699, the Framework Laptop 13 asks an important question: Is repairability worth paying a premium when competitors offer better specs for less money?

Performance: Your Choice of Intel or AMD

The Framework Laptop 13 offers configuration flexibility:

• Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2)
• AMD Ryzen AI 9

CPU Performance

Both configurations deliver:

• Good single-core: Snappy for productivity
• Strong multi-core: Handles multitasking well
• Integrated graphics only: No discrete GPU option

The performance is adequate for productivity work. You're not buying this for raw power - you're buying it for modularity and repairability.

Intel vs AMD:

• Intel: Better Thunderbolt support, slightly better single-core
• AMD: Better battery life, stronger integrated graphics

Integrated Graphics Reality

With no discrete GPU option:

• Light gaming: Possible at low settings
• Photo editing: Works but slower
• Video editing: 1080p okay, 4K requires patience
• 3D work: Limited capability

This is a productivity laptop, not a creator or gaming machine.

The 32GB DDR5 RAM configuration provides headroom. The 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD is generous for documents and projects.

Display: Functional IPS Panel

The 13.5-inch IPS display with 2256x1504 resolution is functional:

• Resolution: 2256x1504 (3:2 aspect ratio)
• Aspect ratio: 3:2 provides vertical space (great for documents)
• Brightness: 400 nits (adequate)
• Color coverage: ~100% sRGB (good for general use, not pro color work)
• Refresh rate: 60Hz

Not Premium, But Practical

The display isn't OLED or high-refresh. It's a good IPS panel focused on practicality:

• Matte finish reduces glare
• 3:2 aspect ratio excellent for productivity
• Adequate brightness
• Good color for non-professional work

Trade-off: Framework keeps costs manageable by using good IPS instead of premium OLED.

Build Quality: Modular by Design

At 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg), the Framework Laptop 13 is lightweight. The build reveals the modular philosophy.

Design Language

Framework's design prioritizes function:

• CNC aluminum chassis
• Modular port system
• Tool-less access to internals
• Optional translucent bezels and keyboard deck

The translucent option lets you see internal components - a unique aesthetic celebrating repairability.

The Framework Philosophy

Swappable Ports:

• Choose your own port configuration
• Change ports anytime
• Future-proof with new port modules

Upgradeable Everything:

• RAM: User-replaceable SO-DIMM
• Storage: Standard M.2 slot
• WiFi: Standard module
• Battery: User-replaceable
• Mainboard: Upgradeable to newer CPUs

Repairable:

• QR codes guide repairs
• All parts available for purchase
• Community-driven repair guides
• No proprietary tools required

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard offers:

• 1.5mm key travel (comfortable)
• White backlight (functional)
• Good typing experience
• Translucent keycaps option

The trackpad is good with Windows Precision drivers. Clickable design feels premium.

Port Selection: YOU Choose

This is Framework's innovation. Choose 4 expansion cards:

• USB-C (multiple)
• USB-A
• HDMI
• DisplayPort
• Ethernet
• MicroSD
• SD card
• Storage expansion
• Audio

Configure your perfect port setup. Change it later if needs change.

Battery Life: Decent with AMD, Average with Intel

The 61Wh battery delivers:

AMD Configuration:

• Light productivity: 11-13 hours
• Mixed usage: 9-10 hours
• Video playback: 12-14 hours

Intel Configuration:

• Light productivity: 9-10 hours
• Mixed usage: 7-8 hours
• Video playback: 10-11 hours

The AMD configuration offers noticeably better battery life.

Charging

61W USB-C charging is standard. Fast charging to 80% in about 60 minutes.

The Repairability Advantage

iFixit Repair Score: 10/10 (highest possible)

Everything is user-serviceable:

• Battery replacement: 5 screws, 2 minutes
• RAM upgrade: Pop off bezel, swap modules
• SSD upgrade: One screw, swap drive
• Mainboard upgrade: Documented procedure

When components fail or you want to upgrade, you can. No need to replace entire laptop.

Environmental Impact

The repairability reduces e-waste:

• Upgrade instead of replace
• Fix instead of discard
• Reuse modules in new builds

For environmentally conscious buyers, this matters.

Framework Marketplace

Framework provides:

• Replacement parts
• Upgrade modules
• Expansion cards
• Accessories

Everything is purchasable. No proprietary monopoly on repairs.

Who Should Buy This?

The Framework Laptop 13 is perfect for:

• Environmentally conscious buyers
• Tinkerers who like customizing and upgrading
• Long-term owners who upgrade incrementally
• Right-to-repair advocates

Skip it if you:

• Want best specs for money (competitors offer more)
• Need discrete GPU
• Prefer premium OLED display
• Don't care about repairability

The Overpriced Question

At $1,699 for Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD:

Competitors Offering More:

• Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5: $1,399, OLED display, RTX 5050
• HP Envy: $1,499, OLED, better specs
• ASUS VivoBook Pro: $1,599, OLED, discrete GPU

What You Pay For:

• Modularity
• Repairability
• Sustainability
• Right to repair

The Reality: You pay a premium for principles. If repairability matters, it's worth it. If specs-per-dollar matters, competitors win.

Comparison to Traditional Laptops

vs Dell XPS 13:

• XPS 13: Better display, lighter, more premium feel
• Framework: Fully repairable, customizable, upgradeable

vs MacBook Air:

• MacBook: Better battery, lighter, better display
• Framework: Repairable, upgradeable, Windows

vs ThinkPad X1 Carbon:

• ThinkPad: Better keyboard, lighter, more refined
• Framework: Much more repairable, swappable ports

The Framework sacrifices refinement for repairability.

Community and Ecosystem

Framework's community is active:

• User-created expansion cards
• Modification guides
• Performance tuning tips
• Creative use cases (DIY projects with old mainboards)

The ecosystem adds value beyond the hardware.

Limitations to Accept

The Framework Laptop 13 requires accepting trade-offs:

• Less refined than competitors
• No discrete GPU option
• Display not premium (no OLED, HDR limited)
• Build feels less premium than MacBook/XPS

These compromises enable the modular design.

Verdict

The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the most customizable and repairable laptop you can buy. Swappable ports, upgradeable everything, and a 10/10 iFixit repairability score make this unique in the laptop market.

Is it overpriced for the specs at $1,699? By traditional metrics, yes. The Intel Core Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen AI, 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage with integrated graphics cost less in competitors with better displays.

But the Framework isn't about specs-per-dollar. It's about:

• Right to repair
• Sustainability
• Long-term ownership
• Customization freedom

The 2.9 lbs weight is light, the 13.5-inch 3:2 display is practical for productivity, and the modular design means you can upgrade over time instead of replacing.

For environmentally conscious buyers, tinkerers, and right-to-repair advocates, the premium is justified. For spec-focused buyers, competitors offer better value.

The Framework Laptop 13 proves sustainable, repairable laptops can exist. The question is: Are you willing to pay for that philosophy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I really upgrade the CPU later? A: Yes! Framework sells mainboard upgrades. Swap the mainboard, keep everything else. It's modular.

Q: How does build quality compare to MacBook? A: Less premium feeling. MacBook is more refined. But Framework is significantly more repairable.

Q: Is Intel or AMD better? A: AMD offers better battery life and stronger integrated graphics. Intel has better Thunderbolt support.

Q: Can I use it for gaming? A: Light gaming at low settings only. No discrete GPU means limited gaming capability.

Q: Is the translucent design durable? A: Yes, same materials as standard bezels. It's an aesthetic choice that doesn't compromise durability.