Framework’s cheapest laptop just got serious about taking on the MacBook Neo

Framework's budget laptop has returned to challenge the Apple MacBook Neo. Back in May, a comparison found Apple's budget option to be superior in performance, efficiency, build quality, and display. However, Framework's laptop offered repairability, upgradeability, a touchscreen, and a 360-degree hinge. Now, Framework has introduced an upgraded Laptop 12 with Intel's new Core Series 3 processors, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, faster memory support, and potentially better battery life.

Preorders for this system begin in October, with a starting price of $699 for a Fedora prebuilt version featuring a Core 3 304 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB storage. Apple's entry-level MacBook Neo with similar specifications costs $699 as well, but Windows requires an additional $100. The upgraded Framework Laptop 12 offers choices between Core 3 304, Core 5 320, and Core 7 350 processors, with the latter delivering a 70% increase in 4K Netflix streaming battery life compared to the previous model.

Additionally, two of the four expansion card slots now support Thunderbolt 4, enabling high-speed peripherals, eGPUs, and dual 4K 60Hz displays. Connectivity has also been upgraded with Wi-Fi 7 and DDR5-6400 memory support up to 64GB. However, the display remains the same 12.2-inch 60Hz LCD with a limited 50% NTSC color gamut.