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Framework Laptop 12 Now Available for Pre-Order
Framework has initiated pre-orders for its new Laptop 12 across the UK, Europe, and Canada, with prices starting at €569, £499, and $719 CAD. Additionally, the company will begin US pre-orders at $549 on April 10th, 2023, a move that highlights its aim to attract a broader audience.
While this pricing is significantly lower than that of Framework’s previous DIY laptop models, it remains higher than the entry-level Windows laptops and Chromebooks available on the market today. It’s important to note that the initial price does not include essential components such as storage, memory, ports, or an operating system. For consumers interested in a fully equipped machine, prices start at €849, £749, and $1,079 CAD, bringing them closer to the cost of Framework’s Laptop 13.
The Laptop 12 offers distinctive features, including a versatile 2-in-1 design with a backflipping touchscreen, rather than solely relying on the latest processors. With a starting price of £499, the device comes with a six-core 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U, while an upgraded 10-core i5-1334U can be added for an additional £150. The prebuilt model priced at £749 maintains the same i3 chip but includes 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with a £200 surcharge for an upgrade to the i5 and 16GB RAM.
Insights into the UK laptop market indicate that consumers can find similarly configured devices ranging between £400 and £600, suggesting that competitors offer more powerful options at comparable prices. While the repairability and modularity of Framework devices contribute to their value, they come at a cost.
As of now, Framework has not yet released the accompanying stylus with a removable battery, which was showcased alongside the Laptop 12. This stylus will become available for separate purchase “soon.” However, users can also opt for any USI 2.0 or MPP 2.0-compatible stylus, compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems.
In terms of aesthetic options, the prebuilt Laptop 12 will initially be available exclusively in black, while the predominantly preassembled “DIY” version will offer color choices such as mint and pink.
The first shipments of both DIY kits and prebuilt models are expected to commence in June and July, respectively.
Update, April 9th: Framework has confirmed that the US version will be available for pre-order starting at $549.
Source
www.theverge.com