Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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GENERAL USE: Good—7.5/10
GAMING/AI: Fair—6.4/10
ENG/DESIGN: Good—7.4/10
SOFTWARE DEV: Good—7.7/10
CONTENT CREATION: Good—7.6/10
PORTABILITY: Very Good—8.8/10
BATTERY: Good—7.6/10
OVERALL SCREEN QUALITY: Good—7.5/10
OVERALL PERFORMANCE: Good—7.4/10
SIZE: 13.5"
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) offers you modularity and repairability, which is rare in laptops, making it a customizable and future-proof choice. It's priced midrange with modest storage and memory, suitable for general use, but for intensive tasks in 3D, machine learning, or engineering, it might lag behind more powerful options. Its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and Radeon 760M integrated graphics deliver reasonable performance for everyday tasks and light creative work. It boasts a high-resolution 3:2 IPS screen, helpful for productivity, and the battery life is adequate for regular workdays. The build quality is solid, and it offers convenient features like a backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader. The laptop is lightweight and portable, but remember, if you need more storage or memory later, you can upgrade it yourself. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Evaluation
Pros
- Highly customizable and repairable
- Good portability and lightweight
- Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader
- Multiple USB-C ports with charging
- Solid screen resolution and brightness
Cons
- Moderate battery life
- Fair 3D and engineering performance
- No hardware ray tracing or DLSS
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate
Ratings by Category
Portability:4.7
PerfectRec’s portability rating takes into account the volume and thickness of the laptop as well as its weight.
Keyboard Quality:4.6
The Keyboard Quality score is based on the PerfectRec experts’ assessment of tactile feedback, typing comfort, keyboard reliability and typing noise.
Software Development:4.3
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software development.
In addition to a strong emphasis on overall performance, this score also places very high importance on screen quality. Heat management, storage, keyboard and speaker quality are also incorporated, with fan noise rounding out this score.
General Use Screen Quality:4.3
The general use screen score is based on the screen technology, contrast ratio, resolution, brightness, color gamut and color accuracy. This score does not take into account specialized display features for specific use cases, such as high refresh rate for gaming.
Build Quality:4.3
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, chassis rigidity, and overall reliability.
Our assessment of build quality includes many details that are difficult to quantify.
Our laptop experts use their best judgment to produce the final score.
General Use:4.2
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) excels in general use mainly due to its capable AMD Ryzen 5 processor, ample RAM, and a high-quality IPS screen with good color accuracy and brightness, offering a visual experience that is both sharp and vivid. Additionally, the machine is highly portable, weighing under 3 pounds with a respectable battery life, making it suitable for use on the go without frequent recharging.
Engineering & Design:4.2
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is well-suited for engineering and design thanks to its powerful AMD Ryzen 5 CPU and Radeon GPU, complemented by a high-quality IPS screen which is crucial for detailed work. Although its high portability is an advantage, the trade-off is a moderate battery life which may require more frequent charging during intensive tasks.
Content Creation:4.2
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, and video editing work.
In addition to a strong emphasis on overall performance, this score also places very high importance on screen quality. Heat management, storage, keyboard and speaker quality are also incorporated, with fan noise rounding out this score.
Battery Life:4.2
PerfectRec’s Battery Life rating is based on hours of battery life in typical usage scenarios.
Operating Noise:4.2
PerfectRec’s Operating Noise Score is based on fan noise measurements. Laptops with a fanless design, such as Macbooks, receive the maximum score.
Gaming & AI:3.4
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has limitations for gaming and 3D applications due to its AMD Radeon 760M integrated graphics, which may not run demanding games smoothly, and its screen's standard 60Hz refresh rate, which isn't ideal for fast-paced visuals.
Full Specs
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Price | $1,080 | ||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | ||
Overall Dimensions | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | ||
Weight | 2.95 lbs | ||
Width | 11.7" | ||
Depth | 9.01" | ||
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 7640U | ||
RAM | 8 GB | ||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | ||
RAM Slots | 2 | ||
Storage | 256 GB | ||
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | 8 Hours | ||
Battery Capacity | 55 Wh | ||
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | ||
Display Technology | IPS | ||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | ||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | ||
Display Brightness | 472 nits | ||
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score  | 7.8/10 | ||
Portability Score | 8.8/10 | ||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | ||
Premium Business Laptop | No | ||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | ||
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | ||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | ||
Webcam | 1080p | ||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | ||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | ||
Number Pad | No | ||
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | 1 | ||
USB-C ports | 2 | ||
USB-C Charging | Yes | ||
Display Outputs | 2 | ||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | ||
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
Comparison charts
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