Framework’s Laptop 13 Pro Is No MacEbook, however It’s Making PCs Higher for Everybody

Framework’s ultra-repairable PCs are, by their nature, open platforms. So it appeared unusual for the corporate’s founder and CEO, Nirav Patel, to call its newest “Pro”-level Framework Laptop with its new selection of open-source OS “the MacBook Pro for Linux users.” Instead, it’s best to see Framework as pushing the envelope of what we anticipate from PCs.

Sure, the Framework Laptop 13 Pro is meant to supply a greater construct high quality than the corporate’s previous 13-inch laptops with a full CNC aluminum chassis and a brand new haptic trackpad. Whether it’s as much as Apple’s commonplace remains to be to be decided. If the comparability is battery life, the Framework Laptop 13 Pro ought to be capable to hit greater than 20 hours in battery rundown exams, near what Apple says you get on the newest M5 MacEbook Pro.

The new Pro-level Framework makes use of the newest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips, which supply comparable longevity in laptops. But let’s be clear, the higher comparability between Framework and different laptops is with at present’s Windows PCs. The new Framework Laptop 13 Pro can come pre-loaded with the open-source Linux distribution Ubuntu as a substitute of Windows 11. It’s a primary of its form exterior of small boutique computer systems. And in that means, the Framework’s Pro mannequin may make the PC panorama even higher.

I’ve already heard from different firms who’ve talked about branching out with Linux-native gadgets. Steve Long, the pinnacle of the clever gadgets group at Lenovo, advised Gizmodo earlier this 12 months that he would “love for flavors of Linux to take off.” The drawback, even for an organization like Lenovo with the largest PC market share on the earth, is a concern of taking dangers. Patel stated the brand new Framework Laptop 13 Pro gained’t have any compatibility points with Ubuntu. Framework might be the primary to show there’s demand for Linux gadgets—particularly as Windows 11 and its AI integrations have proved so divisive.

Lenovo not too long ago confirmed off an idea ThinkBook laptop computer that was instantly harking back to Framework, full with swappable I/O port modules. It additionally included a separate display screen that would adhere to the laptop computer lid. The idea was an extension of the corporate’s present ThinkPad designs like the newest X1 Carbon and T14 Gen 7. The 2026 mannequin boasted strides in repairability with simply swappable keyboard parts in addition to upgradable RAM and storage. The restore gurus at iFixit, who consulted with Lenovo on its newest laptop computer design, gave the T14 and T16 Gen 5 good 10/10 repairability scores.

It’s not simply enterprise laptops which might be simpler to crack open. Last 12 months, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 gaming laptop computer included toolless entry to its battery and reminiscence parts. Even business gadgets, corresponding to HP’s EliteBoard G1a keyboard-computer, are actually utilizing conventional Phillips-head screws fairly than any odd hex key or the Mac’s infamous pentalobe. The Framework Laptop 13 Pro remains to be one of many solely laptops that comes with its personal screwdriver for accessing the gadget’s internals.

MacBooks, with their unified reminiscence, are extra restrictive. Only the newest MacEbook Neo could make any form of claims on higher repairability. Even in the event you don’t purchase from Framework, it’s pushing the PC trade to have a look at itself—and that’s an enormous win.