Framework has started shipping its new Laptop 13 Pro, and the Linux version is doing better than the Windows flavour.
PC World says the early sales are moving fast, particularly for the Intel model. “It’s selling quickly by Framework’s internal metrics, with six batches of the Intel version of the laptop already sold out. A later Framework social media post added: “Spoke too soon, we’re onto Batch 8.”
Framework’s cheerleading points to a clear split between buyers who want Ubuntu ready to go and those happy to sort their own install. “Also nice validation of our approach, the Ubuntu configurations are outselling the Windows ones!”
Part of it is Framework’s audience, because if you are buying one of these modular machines you probably do not need hand-holding on software. Framework says it is not counting the “None (bring your own)” option in those Ubuntu numbers, but the DIY crowd is clearly doing its thing.
Linux laptops are still hard to buy without wandering into niche shops, so Framework has a tidy lane to run in. There are a few smaller players like System76 and Slimbook, plus a handful of models from the Grey Box Shifter if you know where to look.
Microsoft has not helped itself either, after flogging “AI” features that plenty of people never asked for and then acting surprised at the groans. Even the punters who like AI are not all that keen on the Copilot flavour being smeared across everything.
Framework says a chunky slice of buyers are jumping ship from the Fruity Cargo Cult Apple laptop crowd. “More than one third of purchasers say they’re replacing a MacBook Pro, “and almost all of them are switching to Linux (based on our optional post-purchase survey).””
The company’s colour and keyboard nerds are having their own victory too. In interesting sales data, the Gray/Black keyboard is vastly outselling the traditional Black one,
