Framework Laptop Chromebook review: A tinkerer’s dream machine

Price When Reviewed

$999

Best Prices Today: Framework Laptop Chromebook

Every every now and then, a singular laptop computer comes alongside and dominates my each waking thought. I’m an enormous fan of revolutionary design that evokes, and that’s precisely what the Framework Laptop Chromebook does. Its modular design means that you can improve and restore nearly each a part of the laptop computer, and I couldn’t be extra excited. It’s the type of system that welcomes—no, strongly encourages you—to get in there and tinker away.

The modular design is nice and all, however the Framework Laptop additionally provides robust efficiency in addition to a vibrant and vivid show. The one main downside is the excessive price ticket. That mentioned, you get what you pay for. The chassis feels robust and sturdy, and battery life is stellar. It undoubtedly looks like a premium machine, a step up from most run-of-the-mill Chromebooks. This laptop computer is probably not for everybody, however in the event you like tinkering, then it’s effectively price contemplating.

This overview is a part of our ongoing roundup of the best Chromebooks. Check it out in the event you’re on the lookout for extra choices.

Framework Laptop Chromebook: Specifications and options

The Framework Laptop Chromebook is available in only one configuration and it’s solely obtainable on frame.work. Our overview unit is packing an Intel Core i5-1240P CPU, Intel Xe graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of NVMe SSD storage. The 13.5-inch show has a decision of 2256×1504 and a side ratio of 3:9. The one configuration can be slightly limiting in the event you couldn’t improve the reminiscence and storage or swap out the ports. Framework offers you the choice to combine and match your ports and components at checkout. 

• CPU: Intel Core i5-1240P
• Graphics: Intel Xe
• RAM: 8GB (upgradable to 64GB)
• Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD (upgradable as much as 1TB)
• Display: 13.5-inches, 2256×1504
• Ports: USB Type-A, USB Type-C, DisplayPort, microSD, HDMI, Ethernet
• Weight: 2.9 lbs
• Color: Silver
• Battery capability: 55Wh
• Price: $999

Framework Laptop Chromebook: Design and construct

If there’s one phrase to explain the Framework Laptop Chromebook, it’s this: clear. The brushed-silver end is modern as hell. The exterior feels buttery easy as effectively, which pleases this tactile-based reviewer. Framework’s darkish, glass-like gear brand on the highest lid properly enhances the silver exterior. It’s the identical design blueprint of different Framework laptops. That’s not a dig, as these laptops are absolute beauties.

As far as construct high quality goes, it’s fairly rattling strong. For a $999 Chromebook, I anticipated nothing much less. When I opened the lid, I used to be capable of do it with one hand and it went up in a single easy movement, with none interference from the hinge. The keyboard deck has a little bit little bit of flex to it, however not sufficient to concern me. When I pushed and pulled the show with each fingers, it twisted a little bit and I heard some creaking. Overall, it looks like a sturdy, well-made machine.

According to Framework, the laptop computer is manufactured from 50 % post-consumer recycled aluminum. This is implausible information, particularly in the event you’re eco-conscious. It’s additionally slightly light-weight at 2.9 kilos. I used to be capable of maintain the machine with only one hand, although I don’t suggest doing so, particularly in the event you’re accident-prone. 

Framework Laptop Chromebook: Keyboard, trackpad, and webcam

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

I loved typing on this keyboard, because the keys provide a springy response. I like that the keyboard is black in colour, because it actually stands out in opposition to the silver chassis. The distinction between key and textual content makes it simple to determine particular keys, too. Initially, I discovered it annoyingly simple to unintentionally hit the mute key every time I adjusted the amount. It’s not an enormous deal, but it surely took some getting used to.

The squarish trackpad is pleasing, with a glass-like floor that feels good and easy, and that precisely responds to multitouch gestures. When I pressed down on the trackpad with two fingers, it produced a pleasing click on that was strong however discreet. As far as trackpads go, I had zero complaints. It labored similar to it ought to and I tailored to it shortly.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

I’m of the opinion that 1080p webcams must be included on all new laptops going ahead. Remote work is extra frequent these days and in the event you’re doing a substantial amount of videoconferencing, you’re going to need to look your greatest. The Framework Laptop Chromebook has a pleasant 1080p webcam with built-in buttons that can help you bodily mute your self and swap off the digicam.

Framework Laptop Chromebook: Display and audio

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

I used to be pleasantly shocked by the 13.5-inch 1504p show. It’s crisp and vibrant, and the colours are vibrant. When I watched the beautiful reveal trailer for Hades II, a rogue-like sport in regards to the Grecian gods, the colours have been completely delicious. The 3:9 side ratio is good, too. It’s the proper dimension for productiveness duties, which is all the time a plus in my e-book. My solely nitpick is that it’s not a touchscreen show. For $999, I anticipated the show to not less than have contact help.

The audio, which fires upwards from the keyboard deck, is slightly punchy. When I listened to an episode of My Brother, My Brother and Me, Griffin McElroy’s cackling laughter was so loud that I needed to flip down the amount. Having simply reviewed a laptop computer with downward firing audio system, I’ve seen how the place of the audio system actually makes a world of distinction. Downward firing audio system undoubtedly sound extra muffled. 

Framework Laptop Chromebook: Connectivity

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

The connectivity choices are one of the vital fascinating issues about this laptop computer, because the ports are hot-swappable. All you must do is simply slide the cartridge-like ports (aka enlargement playing cards) into one of many 4 slots positioned beneath the laptop computer. In different phrases, you possibly can select which ports you need for this Chromebook, an extremely revolutionary providing from Framework. 

When you purchase the Framework Laptop Chromebook, you have got the selection of USB-A, USB-C, microSD, HDMI, DisplayPort, and ethernet. You can choose 4 of those at checkout in the event you’re going with the $999 configuration. Any further ports will price further. The a la carte costs vary from $9 to $39 relying on the kind of port. 

Framework Laptop Chromebook: Upgradability

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

I’ve by no means used a Framework laptop computer earlier than, and I’m very happy it’s a machine I can simply tinker with. The thought of cracking open a laptop computer used to trigger me nervousness. What if I screw up one thing and find yourself spending a whole lot of {dollars}? Fortunately, Framework makes the entire expertise exceedingly simple. 

I used to be capable of crack open the laptop computer in just a few easy steps. First, I turned the laptop computer the wrong way up and used the included screwdriver to undo 5 screws on the underside of the machine. The screws are designed to remain in place. I then flipped the laptop computer proper aspect up and gently pulled again the keyboard, which is hooked up through magnets, to disclose the {hardware}.

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

As you possibly can see within the picture above, the {hardware} is marked with QR codes. If you scan these codes together with your smartphone’s digicam, you’ll be directed to the suitable web page on Framework’s web site. Need to switch the fan or improve your reminiscence? Just scan the QR code and also you’ll be directed to restore data, alternative components, and so forth. It’s really ingenious. 

Framework Laptop Chromebook: Performance

The Framework Laptop Chromebook provides zippy efficiency, particularly in terms of day-to-day duties like net searching and watching YouTube. I are inclined to function in a sea of open tabs and was capable of soar between 15 browser tabs with relative ease. I didn’t discover any lag in any respect.

Here’s how the Framework Laptop Chromebook carried out in varied web-based benchmarks:

• CrXPRT 2: 146
• Speedometer: 232
• Basemark Web 3.0: 1132.95
• Kraken: 489.9ms
• Jetstream 2: 214.09

The CrXPRT 2 efficiency benchmark determines a Chromebook’s velocity and is an effective indication of the way it handles on a regular basis duties like taking part in video games, browsing the net, and so forth. Thanks to the Intel Core i5 CPU, the Framework Laptop Chromebook turned out a strong rating of 146. By comparability, the equally spec’d Acer Chromebook Vero 514 yielded a rating of 150. Although the Vero 514 scored marginally higher than the Framework, you’re not going to see an enormous distinction in efficiency between the 2. Both are dependable, however the Vero 514 is rather more reasonably priced.

Framework Laptop Chromebook: Battery life

When I ran the CrXPRT 2’s battery benchmark, which cycles by movies and a collection of duties, the Framework Laptop Chromebook lasted about 12 hours on a single cost. As far as Chromebooks go, that’s par for the course. The essential takeaway is that this machine exceeds a typical workday. Again, the extra reasonably priced $600 Vero 514 with related {hardware} bested the Framework, making it to the 14 hour mark with out breaking a sweat.

Should you purchase the Framework Laptop Chromebook?

The Framework Laptop Chromebook is a wonderful selection for these trying to prolong the lifetime of their machine, as you possibly can change or restore nearly each a part of the {hardware}. It’s additionally only a good on a regular basis laptop computer. Performance is snappy sufficient for day-to-day duties, and the show is vibrant, and the hot-swappable ports make it a extremely versatile system as effectively.

Is this laptop computer for everybody? Probably not. The price ticket is slightly excessive for a Chromebook, particularly one with out a touchscreen. That mentioned, this is without doubt one of the most unusual and revolutionary gadgets I’ve ever had the pleasure of reviewing. This type of laptop computer actually targets a particular area of interest of individuals, so in the event you fancy your self a tinkerer, then this may very well be the machine for you.