Framework refreshes its budget laptop with Intel Core 3, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 7

Framework has upgraded its entry-level Laptop 12 with Intel's latest Core Series 3 processors, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 7, making a stronger play against Apple's budget MacBook. Preorders are open, with shipments expected in October.

The base model with Fedora starts at $699, matching Apple's entry-level MacBook Neo price. It includes a Core 3 304 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage—more storage than the MacBook's 256GB at the same price. A Windows version costs an extra $100, aligning with Apple's 512GB configuration pricing.

The new laptop retains its 12.2-inch 1920x1200 touchscreen, 360-degree hinge, and stylus support. Framework's modular design returns: upgradeable DDR5 memory, replaceable M.2 storage, and four customizable Expansion Card slots. Two of those slots now support Thunderbolt 4, enabling high-speed peripherals, eGPUs, and dual 4K 60Hz external displays. Connectivity gets a boost with Wi-Fi 7, and memory speeds rise to DDR5-6400 with up to 64GB capacity.

Framework also addressed common complaints by adding a fingerprint reader (standard on Core 5 and Core 7 models) and offering a backlit keyboard option (standard on certain prebuilt Fedora configurations). The display, however, remains the same 12.2-inch 60Hz LCD with a limited 50% NTSC color gamut, which might still lag behind competitors.

Framework claims its Core 5 320 processor delivered a 70% improvement in 4K Netflix streaming battery life compared to the previous model's Core i5-1334U in early testing, suggesting better efficiency on tap.

In May, a YouTube comparison by Jeff Geerling pitted the original Laptop 12 against Apple's budget MacBook, finding Apple's offering faster, quieter, more efficient, and better built. The refreshed Framework aims to narrow that gap with the new chips and ports, while keeping its repairability and upgradeability advantages. With the MacBook Neo's aggressive pricing, the budget laptop segment remains hotly contested, and Framework's latest move is a direct response.