Fans of repairable and upgradeable kit will be pleased to hear that the latest version of Framework Computer's 13in laptop sports Intel Core Ultra CPUs along with a hi-res display module and an improved webcam option.

Framework, which makes modular laptops to allow users to customize and replace bits, detailed the latest iteration of its Framework Laptop 13 in a blog posting.

As the name implies, this features a 13in display, but the chief update is inclusion of the latest Core Ultra processors, with up to 6 of Intel’s Performance cores and 8 Efficient cores, plus support for up to 96 GB of DDR5 memory and a new graphics architecture.

“In integrating this processor, we’ve redesigned our thermal system and tuned fan control algorithms to keep the system cooler while reducing noise,” Framework Founder Nirav Patel writes, claiming that the new CPU “drives productivity performance and a huge leap in gaming capability.”

Also new is a 2.8k display option, providing a resolution of 2880x1920 at 256 PPI for much sharper text and graphics. This boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nit brightness, 1500:1 contrast, and anti-glare matte surface, with Framework touting it as an all-around excellent panel across a range of use cases.

“There is one oddity with this otherwise ideal display,” Patel says, “which is that the corners are rounded (the top corners by 3mm and bottom corners by 1mm). This is because we repurposed and customized a panel that was originally designed for another company.”

However, the good news is that the 2.8k display is also configuration option on Framework’s DIY Edition model, and thanks to the modular design, users can also upgrade any existing Framework Laptop 13 with it.

A new webcam option has been designed for better image quality, along with lower-noise microphones for better audio clarity. This features a 9.2MP image sensor, but rather than use it at this native resolution, Framework opted to use a mode that groups sets of four pixels together into larger, high-sensitivity pixels, emulating modern smartphone cameras. This is claimed to deliver enhanced 1080p performance, especially in low-light conditions.

The company said it is also introducing an updated configurations of its Framework Laptop 13 DIY Edition with AMD Ryzen 7040 processors to include the 2.8k display and webcam along with a high-capacity 61Wh battery.

Other new options include a module with an SD Card slot, now available for pre-order, plus 4 new colors of the USB-C port modules.

There is also news for business users: With this generation, the company is expanding its Framework for Business program with a set of Framework Laptop 13 configurations backed by a three year extended limited warranty, plus Windows 11 Pro with Autopilot support enabled out of the box.

“As always, you can pick up any of the new modules in the Framework Marketplace to upgrade and extend the life of the Framework Laptop you already own,” Patel writes. ®

https://www.theregister.com//2024/05/30/framework_gins_up_modular_laptop/