Latest Laptop Update in 2025: Framework Tops as the Most Upgradable
Building your own PC can offer a cost-effective way to gain peace of mind surrounding future upgrades, although it may lack the mobility of a laptop. However, Framework, a company that specializes in completely upgradeable laptops, aims to bridge this gap with their modular and customizable designs.
Framework's laptop lineup, including the Framework Laptop 13 and 16, boasts a highly modular and customizable design that emphasizes repairability and user upgrades. One of the key features of these laptops is the Modular Expansion Cards. Users can choose up to four expansion cards per laptop, selecting from USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, SD card reader, headphone jack, Ethernet port, or additional storage options. Notably, one Type-C port must be dedicated for charging, but cards can be swapped easily to suit your workflow.
In terms of Display Options, the Framework Laptop 13 offers two choices: a lower-resolution 2256 x 1504 panel at 60Hz, and a higher-resolution 2880 x 1920 display with a 120Hz refresh rate, available only on the DIY Edition. Customizable bezels in various colours are also offered.
When it comes to Memory and Storage, Framework laptops offer RAM options ranging from 8GB up to a substantial 96GB of DDR5-5600 memory using one or two sticks. Storage starts at 256GB or 500GB in pre-built units, with upgradeable NVMe SSD options.
Framework laptops offer a range of Processor and Configuration options, including Intel (including 11th, 12th, and 13th Gen) and AMD Ryzen CPU options. Importantly, the mainboard with CPU is user-replaceable, allowing upgrades without buying an entirely new laptop.
Users have the flexibility to choose their preferred Operating System, with options including Windows 11 Pro, Home, no OS, or other systems per preference.
Framework laptops score a perfect 10/10 on iFixit's repairability scale. Almost every component—RAM, storage, Wi-Fi module, battery, keyboard, display, and ports—is modular and replaceable. This includes the ability to uninstall and upgrade individual parts in the DIY edition.
The Framework Laptop 13 starts at £999, and the recommended model is priced at £1,399 with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Prices for the Framework Laptop 16 start at $1,399 for DIY versions and $1,699 for pre-built models.
In summary, Framework laptops stand out for their comprehensive upgradeability at multiple hardware levels—from the mainboard and CPU to storage, memory, ports, and display. Their modular design allows users to customize extensively at purchase and extend the lifespan by upgrading components rather than replacing the entire device.
- Framework's Modular Expansion Cards allow users to customize their laptops with options like USB Type-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and additional storage.
- The Framework Laptop 13 offers two display options, one with a lower-resolution panel and a higher-resolution panel with a 120Hz refresh rate available on the DIY Edition.
- Framework laptops provide RAM options ranging from 8GB to a substantial 96GB of DDR5-5600 memory, upgradeable NVMe SSD options for storage, and a variety of processor choices between Intel and AMD CPUs.
- With an emphasis on modularity and repairability, Framework laptops, such as the Framework Laptop 13 and 16, can be upgraded by users from the mainboard and CPU, to storage, memory, ports, and display.
