When I learned Framework was bringing Intel's Core Series 3 chips to the Laptop 12, I was excited. I'm a fan of the kid-friendly edition of this modular, repairable machine but it had one major technical flaw. Like almost all of Framework's other laptops, it couldn't keep its chip cool enough to wring good performance out of its silicon. But Intel's new Series 3 chips are so fast and so power efficient that it may eliminate those thermal issues entirely. So, with a low power chip in one hand, and an already great (if pricey) laptop in the other, surely this is a match made in heaven.

Framework's policy of constantly iterating on components means it's not just the mainboard that's changed here. The 2026 model ships with a fingerprint scanner and backlit keyboard, correcting the omissions from the first-generation version. Naturally, all three are backwards-compatible with the earlier version, which can be upgraded for feature parity with its newer self. As usual, my focus here is just on the upgrade process and performance of those new components. If you'd like to know more, please read last year's full review which covers everything else.

0-compatible stylus. Much like the third party models it used to this point, the Framework Stylus charges over USB-C, has an 80mAh battery and weighs 15 grams. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and has two programmable buttons. Oh, and you can buy it in the same color as your laptop, so it's all matchy-matchy.

Source link