Framework Laptop (2021): A Comprehensive Laptop Review

A Detailed Review Of The Framework Laptop (2021) Laptop

FRAMEWORK LAPTOP (2021) – Here is a thorough and detailed evaluation of the Framework Laptop (2021), highlighting its positive aspects as well as its drawbacks.

The Framework Laptop (2021) is a 13.5-inch ultraportable notebook designed with a strong emphasis on repairability, upgrade potential, and modularity. It boasts a slim and lightweight profile, making it convenient for on-the-go use, and its construction is solid with an all-metal chassis. The laptop features a high-resolution 3:2 display, a comfortable keyboard, a spacious touchpad, and an impressive webcam. Its modular I/O system allows for on-the-fly port customization and expanded storage options. Buyers can opt for a pre-configured model or take the do-it-yourself route, hand-picking individual components to meet their specific requirements.

Easy access to the internal components facilitates future upgrades, with online guides available to assist in the process. Powered by Intel 11th Gen processors, the laptop delivers satisfactory performance for everyday tasks and light to moderate workloads, although it falls short for resource-intensive activities like gaming and video editing due to the absence of a dedicated GPU. While the CPU and integrated GPU maintain consistent performance under load, the laptop’s noisy fans can be disruptive in quiet environments. On a positive note, the laptop excels in terms of battery life, offering over 11 hours of productivity and 8 hours of video playback.

Framework-Laptop-2021

For business users, the 2021 Framework Laptop proves to be an excellent choice. Its sleek and lightweight design ensures portability and the long-lasting battery easily handles a standard 8-hour workday of light productivity. The display provides sharp visuals, the keyboard is comfortable for extended typing sessions, and the touchpad offers precise tracking. The webcam delivers high-quality video, although the microphone may pick up excess background noise. The laptop’s impressive port selection allows users to adapt to their connectivity needs by swapping expansion cards as required. Equipped with an Intel 11th Gen processor, it efficiently handles productivity tasks such as web browsing, document editing, spreadsheet work, and presentations. The only drawback is the loud fan noise under heavy loads, which could be a potential distraction in a quiet office setting.

PROS

  • Easy to carry around thanks to its thin and light design.
  • Battery lasts easily through a typical day of light productivity.
  • Easy to access internals for repairs and upgrades.
  • A modular port system lets you change the port configuration on the fly.
  • The large touchpad tracks well and the keyboard feels good to type on.
  • Excellent webcam video quality.
  • Feels well-built.

CONS

  • Loud fans.
Pre-configured Models Specifications
Base13.5″ IPS 2256 x 1504 60Hz display
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.20GHz)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, 80 execution units)
8GB DDR4 3200MHz memory
256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Windows 10 Home
Performance13.5″ IPS 2256 x 1504 60Hz display
Intel Core i7-1165G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.70GHz)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, 96 execution units)
16GB DDR4 3200MHz memory
512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Windows 10 Home
Professional13.5″ IPS 2256 x 1504 60Hz display
Intel Core i7-1185G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.80GHz)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, 96 execution units)
32GB DDR4 3200MHz memory
1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
Windows 10 Pro
DIY EditionOptions 
Screen13.5″ IPS 2256 x 1504 60Hz display
CPUIntel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.20GHz)
Intel Core i7-1165G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.70GHz)
Intel Core i7-1185G7 (4 cores/8 threads, up to 4.80GHz)
GPUIntel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, Core i5, 80 execution units)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated, Core i7, 96 execution units)
Memory8GB DDR4 3200MHz (1 x 8GB)
16GB DDR4 3200MHz (1 x 16GB)
16GB DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
32GB DDR4 3200MHz (1 x 32GB)
32GB DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
64GB DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 32GB)
None (Bring your own)
Storage500GB WD Black SN850 NVMe PCIe SSD
1TB WB Black SN850 PCIe NVMe SSD
2TB WD Black SN850 PCIe NVMe SSD
250GB WD Black SN750 PCIe NVMe SSD
500GB WD Black SN750 PCIe NVMe SSD
1TB WD Black SN750 PCIe NVMe SSD
2TB WD Black SN750 PCIe NVMe SSD
4TB WD Black SN750 PCIe NVMe SSD
None (Bring your own)
Wireless AdapterIntel Wi-Fi 6E AX201 vPro (requires i7-1185G7 for vPro functionality)
Intel Wi-Fi 6e AX201 (no vPro)
None (Bring your own)
Operating SystemWindows 10 Home
Windows 10 Pro
None (Bring your own)
Expansion cardsDisplayPort (1.4)
MicroSD (UHS-I)
USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
USB-C (USB 4, charging, DisplayPort Alt Mode)
HDMI (2.0b)
250GB Storage
1TB Storage
Also, read our thorough review of the Acer Aspire 3 15 (2023).

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