Framework has announced an updated version of its Framework 12 laptop, promising substantial improvements in battery life thanks to the integration of Intel's new Wildcat Lake processors. This upgrade arrives despite the laptop retaining its 50 Wh battery capacity. The Framework 12 is primarily designed as a low-power, entry-level two-in-one device suitable for educational tasks and light work. Previously equipped with 13th Gen Raptor Lake-U processors, the new models available for pre-order will feature the low-power Intel Core Series 3 processors, also known as Wildcat Lake.
Available configurations for the new Framework 12 include options with a Core 3 304 processor clocked at 4.3 GHz, a Core 5 320 at 4.6 GHz, and a top-tier Core 7 350 at 4.8 GHz. These processors feature a mix of Performance-cores and Efficient-cores, with the Core 3 having one P-core and four LPE-cores, while the Core 5 and Core 7 have two P-cores and four LPE-cores. The base prices for these configurations start at $549/£549 for the Core 3, $779/£779 for the Core 5, and $999/£999 for the Core 7, excluding additional storage and memory for the DIY kits.
While these processors are not intended for demanding productivity tasks or intensive gaming, they are expected to perform adequately for general daily use. The integrated graphics on even the top-end Core 7 350 include only two Xe cores, which limits gaming potential. However, Framework claims that the transition to Wildcat Lake processors significantly enhances battery endurance. The company reports an increase of 57% in web browsing time and 70% in Netflix streaming duration. These claims are considered plausible given the observed battery performance of Intel's Panther Lake processors, which share the same 18A manufacturing node.
In addition to the enhanced battery life, the updated Framework 12 includes several other notable improvements. These include support for Wi-Fi 7, a backlit keyboard, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a fingerprint reader. For users looking for an out-of-the-box Linux experience, the laptop now comes with Fedora Linux pre-installed. This choice of distribution is often praised for its user experience and stability. The convertible two-in-one form factor, allowing for both touch and type interaction, remains consistent with previous iterations of the Framework 12.