Review: Framework’s lightweight modular laptop is a winner

Enlarge / Framework promised a modular, lightweight, ultraslim 13-inch laptop with a 3:2 display at a competitive price-and that's exactly what it delivered. (credit: Jim Salter)

When we originally covered startup Framework's ambitious plans for a fully repairable, modular laptop aiming to compete on even ground with industry champions like Dell's XPS 13, it seemed like quite a long shot.

The company's proposed 13-inch laptop was to be its very first product and include custom-built hardware features no other company had ever offered-most notably, four modular bays replacing the usual collection of hardwired laptop I/O ports. Each bay features a deeply recessed USB-C port that can accept a module offering the user an external USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, or MicroSD port.

Designing and building a feature like that is a big risk-doing so for the first time while planning to compete evenly with industry-leading compact laptops like Dell's XPS 13 in weight, width, thickness, and price raised our eyebrows so far it hurt. But we've spent several days with a review unit-and Framework has satisfied all of its major claims. Its new laptop isn't perfect, but it's a solid competitor that lives up to its promises.

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