framework-adds-specs,-opens-pre-orders-for-repairable-notebook

Framework Adds Specs, Opens Pre-Orders for Repairable Notebook

(Image credit: Framework)

Framework,

which announced its modular, repairable laptop

back in February, now has full specs, pricing and is opening pre-orders for the machine. It will come in three configurations, starting at $999.

That base model has an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, a 256GB NVMe, Wi-Fi 6 and will run Windows 10 Home. A $1,399 performance configuration bumps the processor up to an i7-1165G7 and doubles the RAM and storage to 16GB and 512GB, respectively. A professional model, starting at $1,999, has an i7-1185G7, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, support for vPro and runs Windows 10 Pro.

There will also be a DIY edition, starting at $749 barebones, that you build yourself from a kit and customize with parts and modules.

Each laptop will also have a 3:2, 2256 x 1504 display, 1080p webcam with a privacy switch, a 55Wh battery and a keyboard with 1.5 mm of key travel, all features you might find in one of the

best ultrabooks

. The entire motherboard is replaceable to allow upgrades to future generations of processors, which are typically soldered to the board on laptops.

Pre-orders are starting today in the United States, and Canada will come soon, with Asia and Europe coming before the end of the year. 

But like most tech companies, Framework hasn’t been immune to supply chain issues, which it says will “limit the number of Framework Laptops we have available at launch.” The company will take its pre-orders in small batches to ensure it can fulfill orders. The first batch, Framework says, will ship in July, with more to come. A pre-order requires a $100 refundable deposit, and the balance will be paid when it’s ready to ship.

While the Framework Laptop sounds promising on paper, other small computer vendors have faced issues with fulfillment. Eve Devices, for instance, had issues fulfilling its Eve V, and some potential buyers have proven far more cautious around its Spectrum monitor and second-gen convertible. But Framework is acknowledging the difficulty in sourcing parts right now, so at least it’s being straightforward there.