Framework’s new Pro laptop offers a Linux-first alternative to the Windows ecosystem

At a glance:

• Framework introduces the Laptop 13 Pro with native Ubuntu support to bypass Windows and Copilot.
• New hardware features include a haptic touchpad, touchscreen options, and Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors.
• Pricing starts at $1,200 for DIY kits, with a $1,500 entry point for pre-installed Ubuntu models.

A push for OS independence

Framework is doubling down on its mission of modularity and user agency with the announcement of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro. While most manufacturers are leaning heavily into Windows-integrated AI features like Copilot, Framework is offering a path for users who want to escape the Microsoft ecosystem entirely. The new Pro model provides a unique choice: users can purchase the device with no operating system at all, with Windows 11, or with Ubuntu—a popular Linux distribution—pre-installed right out of the box.

This strategic move toward Linux is more than just a technical preference; it is a financial one as well. By offering an Ubuntu-based model, Framework can avoid the overhead of Windows licensing costs. This allows them to offer a more competitive price point for Linux enthusiasts while simultaneously addressing the rising costs of hardware components like RAM, which have significantly impacted the company's bottom line in recent months.

Enhanced hardware and performance

The "Pro" designation in this lineup brings several significant physical and internal upgrades over previous iterations. Most notably, the laptop moves away from the older, stiffer mechanical trackpad in favor of a more modern haptic touchpad. For the first time in the company's history, Framework is also offering a touchscreen option, catering to a broader range of professional and creative workflows.

Under the hood, the Laptop 13 Pro offers a choice of powerful silicon. Users can select between Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 processors—including the high-end X7 and X9 variants—or the older AMD Ryzen 300 series. These Intel chips are expected to deliver robust GPU capabilities, making the device surprisingly capable for graphics rendering and moderate gaming. Furthermore, Framework claims the new architecture could provide up to 20 hours of battery life in streaming tests, a significant boost intended to cover a full workday.

Expanding the modular ecosystem

Framework is not limiting its updates to the 13-inch form factor. The Framework Laptop 16 is also receiving refinements, including a new one-piece keyboard design that eliminates the need for a numpad or side plates, as well as the addition of a haptic trackpad. For power users looking to extend their machine's capabilities, the company has introduced the OCuLink Dev Kit. This kit connects to the Laptop 16's expansion bay and PCIe lanes, allowing users to attach external GPUs (eGPUs) for heavy-duty computing tasks.

Beyond the laptops themselves, a new discrete wireless keyboard is entering the lineup. This peripheral is designed to mimic the feel of the Framework Laptop 12, featuring mechanical keys and a side-mounted trackpad. It includes a dongle that sits flush inside the device body when not in use, and Framework has hinted at future plans to develop specific adapter cards that can plug directly into the laptop's expansion slots, further deepening the integration between the desktop and mobile ecosystems.