Framework launches the Laptop 13 Pro with Intel's new Panther Lake chips
Source: Engadget
Framework Laptop 13 Pro – First‑Look Review
Framework’s lineup of modular, repair‑able laptops has taken the company from a niche player to a mainstream contender. The new 13 Pro is a “ground‑up redesign” of the original 13‑inch model, keeping the core philosophy of interchangeable parts while adding a host of upgrades.
Overview
- Form factor: 13‑inch (13.5‑inch touch display)
- Design language: Black chassis with a more “punky” gray‑black keyboard aesthetic, reminiscent of ThinkPad and cyber‑deck styling.
- Target audience: Developers and power users who value modularity, repairability, and high‑performance specs.
“It’s immediately evocative of a ThinkPad, and I mean that in the most complimentary way.” – CEO Nirav Patel
Battery & Chassis
- Capacity: 74 Wh (up from 55 Wh → 61 Wh in previous generations)
- Design changes:
- Bottom chassis redesigned with deeper chamfers to accommodate the larger cell.
- New bottom cover and input cover (housing the haptic trackpad) are required; the larger battery cannot be dropped into an older 13‑inch frame.
- Battery life claim: Up to 20 hours of streaming Netflix in 4K (demonstrated via YouTube video).
- Speakers: Side‑firing, Dolby Atmos‑certified.
Processor Options
| Option | Chip | Intended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ultra 5 | Intel Core Ultra 5 (Panther Lake) | Everyday productivity, light gaming |
| Core Ultra 7 | Intel Core Ultra 7 | Balanced performance & efficiency |
| Core Ultra 9 | Intel Core Ultra 9 | Heavy workloads, AAA gaming (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077) |
| AMD Ryzen AI 300 | AMD Ryzen AI 300 series (same board as 2025 Laptop 13) | Alternative silicon choice |
Both Intel and Framework say the Panther Lake silicon will sip the beefy battery while still delivering enough grunt for demanding titles.
Memory (RAM)
- New standard: LPDDR5X (LPCAMM2) modules – higher bandwidth and better power efficiency than the previous SO‑DIMM design.
- Upgradeability: Still socketed, not soldered, allowing future capacity upgrades (though exact limits are unspecified).
“If the global RAM market suddenly crunches and you need to mortgage a kidney for a single stick, you’ll at least have the option to add more later.” – Patel (tongue‑in‑cheek)
Thermals
- Revised mainboard cooling, with additional assistance from Intel’s thermal design.
- In Patel’s hands, the Pro did not spin up its fans for the first 30 minutes of a call – a notable improvement for a Framework device.
Display
- Size: 13.5 inches, 3:2 aspect ratio
- Resolution: 2,880 × 1,920 (touch‑enabled)
- Refresh rate: Variable 30 – 120 Hz
- Brightness: Up to 700 nits
- Contrast: 1800:1
- Color: Per‑unit calibration, 700 nits peak brightness, 1800:1 contrast ratio
“All the way back in 2021 we were getting asked for touch support. We resisted, but after the Laptop 12 we realized it was a slam‑duck.” – Patel
Touchpad & Input
- Haptic touchpad: Four piezo elements aim to rival Apple’s MacBook Pro trackpads.
- Input cover: Retains the classic keyboard, fingerprint sensor, and adds the haptic pad.
- Aesthetic: Gray‑black keyboard that blends ThinkPad ruggedness with a cyber‑deck vibe.
“A big part of this goes back to the idea to build the ultimate developer laptop.” – Patel
Upgrade Path & Compatibility
- Most components (e.g., storage, ports, battery‑compatible modules) remain interchangeable with the original 13‑inch line.
- The only non‑retrofit parts are the new bottom cover, input cover, and the larger 74 Wh battery.
- Existing owners can upgrade incrementally, preserving the company’s core promise of modular longevity.
“There’s nothing stopping you from upgrading your existing machine to match the Pro in one go, or as your needs evolve.” – Patel
Availability & Pricing
- Pre‑order: Open now (April 2026)
- First shipments: Expected June 2026
- Pricing:
- Base pre‑built Windows model: $1,699
- DIY (kit) version: Pricing to be announced (typically a few hundred dollars less than the pre‑built).
Bottom Line
Framework’s Laptop 13 Pro stays true to the brand’s modular DNA while delivering a significant leap in battery life, performance, display quality, and input feel. For users who value repairability and want a laptop that can handle modern workloads, the Pro is a compelling, if slightly pricier, evolution of the original 13‑inch platform.
you back $1,199.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at [Engadget article](https://www.engadget.com/computing/laptops/framework-launches-the-laptop-13-pro-with-intels-new-panther-lake-chips-181503934.html?src=rss).