Framework Laptop 12 Updated With Intel Core Series 3 Chips and Default Fedora Linux
New configurations report 70 percent battery gains during streaming and start at $549
Framework has updated its 12-inch modular computer with Intel Core Series 3 processors. Pre-built configurations ship with a choice of Core 3, Core 5, or Core 7 processors, paired with baseline memory options ranging from 8GB to 32GB.
Intel Core Series 3 non-Ultra processors utilize a hybrid core design to reduce power consumption. Framework reported a 70 percent increase in battery life during Netflix streaming on the Core 5 configuration compared to the earlier Core i5 model. Memory can be configured up to 48GB of DDR5 RAM.
The updated system retains four modular expansion slots. Two of these slots support Thunderbolt 4 connectivity through the integrated Intel interface. Physical hardware options include a backlit keyboard assembly and an integrated top-cover fingerprint reader.
Like the Laptop 13 Pro, the Laptop 12 is yet another of Framework’s computers that can come pre-installed with Linux. The company says over 80 percent of original Laptop 12 owners are running Linux, so it’s decided to offer the new model pre-installed with Fedora, with Windows 11 available as a $100 upgrade. Framework says the new Laptop 12 hardware has also been seeded to other Linux distros so support will be ready when the laptop ships.
Fedora Workstation serves as the default operating system on pre-built Linux units, developed through the open-source Fedora Project. Framework maintains hardware support repositories to ensure driver compatibility across Ubuntu, Arch, and Linux Mint distributions.
The Framework Laptop 12 starts at $699 for a pre-built Linux configuration in green or $549 for a DIY version in black, gray, light purple, pink, or green. Framework is collecting pre-orders now and plans to start shipping the new laptop in October.
