Good news, Linux nerds: your dream laptop just got cheaper. Bad news: it's because the company has no idea when the hell it's actually shipping.
Framework, the modular laptop startup that's been waving the repairability flag like a tech messiah, dropped a bombshell on Thursday for preorder customers of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro — the machine CEO Nirav Patel has proudly called the 'MacBook Pro for Linux users.' The headline: your preorder might cost less than expected. The fine print: that price drop comes with a side of uncertainty that would make a weather forecaster blush.
The Good News: Money Back in Your Pocket
Here's the deal. Framework announced that due to 'favorable component pricing' — industry-speak for 'the chip shortage is easing and we're not getting gouged as hard' — they're lowering the price of the 13 Pro by $100 to $200 depending on configuration. That's real cash, people. A $1,399 machine now starts at $1,199. For a laptop that runs Linux like a dream, with fully upgradeable RAM, storage, and even ports, that's a hell of a deal.
But before you start clicking 'add to cart,' let me pour some cold water on your excitement.
The Bad News: Seriously, When Is It Shipping?
Framework's update was a masterclass in corporate vagueness. The company noted that 'production is ramping' and they're 'working through the backlog.' Translated from CEO-speak: we still don't have a firm ship date. The original delivery window was June-July. Now? 'Later this summer.' That could mean August. Or September. Or when hell freezes over.
I get it. The global supply chain is still a dumpster fire. But Framework has a history of delays. The original Framework Laptop 13 shipped months late. The Chromebook edition? Late. The AMD version? You guessed it — late. At this point, 'Framework time' is a running joke in enthusiast forums.
'Framework's update was a masterclass in corporate vagueness. The company noted that 'production is ramping' and they're 'working through the backlog.''
The Silver Lining — And Why You Should Still Care
Look, I'm not here to bury Framework. Despite the delays, the Laptop 13 Pro is legitimately exciting. It's one of the only laptops on the market that respects your right to repair. Want to upgrade the processor later? You can. Want to swap the USB-C port for an HDMI one? Pop it out. Want to replace the battery without a soldering iron? Go for it.
And the Linux support is genuinely excellent. Framework works directly with the Linux community to ensure compatibility. Fedora, Ubuntu, Pop!_OS — they all run flawlessly. If you're a developer, a sysadmin, or just someone who hates Windows with a passion, this machine is a godsend.
But you have to be patient. And I mean really patient. If you preordered expecting a laptop for back-to-school season, you might want to have a backup plan. Or just embrace the wait, and think of the savings as compensation for your time.
The Verdict: Worth the Wait?
If you can afford to wait, yes. The Framework Laptop 13 Pro is the most repairable, upgradeable, Linux-friendly laptop money can buy. And now it's cheaper. The delays are frustrating, but they're not the end of the world.
But if you need a laptop right now, don't hold your breath. Go buy a ThinkPad, slap Linux on it, and check back in 2027 when Framework might actually have a laptop in stock.
Framework has done something remarkable: they've made a computer that's both cheaper and more ethical. Now if only they could make one that ships on time.
