{
  "id": 1891962,
  "title": "Framework’s cheapest laptop just got serious about taking on the MacBook Neo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/frameworks-cheapest-laptop-just-got-serious-about-taking-on-the",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-19T08:18:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Trends",
    "slug": "digital-trends",
    "url": "https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/frameworks-cheapest-laptop-just-got-serious-about-taking-on-the-macbook-neo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Framework’s modular Laptop 12 now gets Intel Core Series 3 processors, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and improved battery life while its prebuilt price starts at $699.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Guide",
        "title": "A parent’s guide to the MacBook Neo: is Apple’s cheapest laptop a back-to-school trap?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/a-parents-guide-to-the-macbook-neo-is-apples-cheapest-laptop-a-back",
        "published": "2026-08-18T10:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}