It is a good signal once you strive a brand new product and instantly inform your self, “I need it.” That’s what I felt whereas making an attempt Framework Laptop’s supposed MacBook Professional killer, the Laptop computer 13 Professional, which may run both Home windows 11 and even Ubuntu Linux.
We tried out the brand new laptop computer throughout a press occasion in San Francisco at the moment, and the Laptop computer 13 Professional seems to be poised to tackle different premium notebooks, all of the whereas providing the customizability and upgradability that Framework merchandise are identified for.
13 Professional (left) subsequent to an older Framework Laptop computer 13 (Credit score: PCMag/Michael Kan)
The Professional mannequin has the identical dimensions as the unique Framework Laptop computer 13. All of the parts inside are even cross-compatible with older fashions. However the firm’s latest laptop computer stands out by amping up the premium really feel, because of a sturdier aluminum casing, a crisp contact display, highly effective audio system, and the choice for a modern black coloration method or silver.
(Credit score: PCMag/Michael Kan)
The 13 Professional is the corporate’s first to be “absolutely machined out of extruded blocks of 6063 aluminum,” and it reveals. The 13 Professional appears like a block of strong steel once you maintain it up. Though the unique Framework 13 additionally featured an aluminum chassis, the Professional mannequin boasts a thicker and stronger base the place the keyboard is put in, minimizing any wobble, particularly on the lid and hinge, if you happen to shake it.
(Credit score: PCMag/Michael Kan)
I may really feel the distinction as I held each the Professional and an older 2022 and 2023 Framework 13 in my arms. Regardless of the sturdier base, the Professional model is a still-portable 3.1 kilos. The brushed aluminum can also be nice to the touch; it feels extra like carbon fiber. The entire package deal is pleasing to kind on and have a look at, making it a winner within the aesthetic class for me.
Framework additionally packed in a Dolby Atmos speaker system that was loud sufficient to listen to YouTube movies clearly, even in a loud demo room. The laptop computer can also be the primary to supply touch-screen assist, fulfilling a long-standing buyer request. It labored nicely on Home windows 11, providing a handy technique to open and shut browser home windows.
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(Credit score: PCMag/Michael Kan)
I used to be additionally impressed to see the laptop computer working Cyberpunk 2077 on medium graphics with Intel’s “Panther Lake” Core Extremely X7 358H chip, no discrete GPU required. A benchmark confirmed the sport working at round 69 frames per second.
The truth that you should buy all this beginning at $1,499—and nonetheless improve and swap out the elements as a lot as you’d like—undoubtedly makes the Laptop computer 13 Professional price trying out, particularly if you happen to’re a Linux consumer. Framework says it is the primary to be licensed for Linux Ubuntu.
Nonetheless, the product can improve in worth considerably if you happen to go for the prebuilt Intel Core Extremely X7 358H mannequin with 32GB of RAM, which begins at $2,099. Prospects may configure the laptop computer with AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 chips. However the prebuilt AMD fashions additionally go for both $2,099 or $3,099, relying on the processor.
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(Credit score: Framework)
You’ll be able to attempt to decrease the value with Framework’s DIY fashions, which allow you to configure extra specs and OS. However you are still paying over $2,000 as you beef up the parts, because of the continuing reminiscence scarcity inflating costs for RAM and storage.
It is also necessary to notice that the 13 Professional solely presents 4 Thunderbolt 4 interfaces, though you may nonetheless customise them with Framework’s Growth card system.
(Credit score: PCMag/Michael Kan)
After all, we’ll have to put the 13 Professional by means of our extra rigorous efficiency checks throughout our evaluation. The corporate designed the product to excel, particularly in battery life; Framework’s personal checks present it may well run for over 20 hours of 4K Netflix streaming. So we’ll be paying shut consideration to the way it performs in different battery-life checks.
About Our Skilled
Michael Kan
Principal Reporter
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I have been a journalist for over 15 years. I acquired my begin as a faculties and cities reporter in Kansas Metropolis and joined PCMag in 2017, the place I cowl satellite tv for pc web providers, cybersecurity, PC {hardware}, and extra. I am at present primarily based in San Francisco, however beforehand spent over 5 years in China, masking the nation’s expertise sector.
Since 2020, I’ve coated the launch and explosive development of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite tv for pc web service, writing 600+ tales on availability and have launches, but additionally the regulatory battles over the enlargement of satellite tv for pc constellations, fights with rival suppliers like AST SpaceMobile and Amazon, and the trouble to broaden into satellite-based cellular service. I’ve combed by means of FCC filings for the newest information and pushed to distant corners of California to check Starlink’s mobile service.
I additionally cowl cyber threats, from ransomware gangs to the emergence of AI-based malware. In 2024 and 2025, the FTC compelled Avast to pay customers $16.5 million for secretly harvesting and promoting their private info to third-party shoppers, as revealed in my joint investigation with Motherboard.
I additionally cowl the PC graphics card market. Pandemic-era shortages led me to camp out in entrance of a Greatest Purchase to get an RTX 3000. I am now following how the AI-driven reminiscence scarcity is impacting your complete client electronics market. I am all the time desirous to be taught extra, so please leap within the feedback with suggestions and ship me suggestions.
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