Framework has refreshed its 12-inch convertible laptop with Intel's newer Core Series 3 chips, expanded customisation options and, for the first time, a pre-built configuration running Linux instead of Windows. The update matters because it lowers the entry price and reflects Framework's efforts to better serve its user base, given that the company says almost 80% of existing Laptop 12 owners already run Linux rather than Windows.

The cheapest pre-built model now starts at $699, £100 less than the previous version, and comes only in green with an Intel Core 3 304 chip, 8GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and Fedora 44 with KDE Plasma pre-installed; switching to Windows 11 Home adds $100. The new chips bring faster DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 7 R2 and Thunderbolt 4 support on the rear expansion slots, though the front two USB ports are downgraded slightly to USB 3.2 Gen 2. Higher-end Core 5 and Core 7 configurations now include a fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard as standard, while the older 13th Gen Intel version remains available from $499 for the DIY edition. Preorders are open now, with deliveries expected from October.