I must warn Australians that the delay in Framework Laptop 13 Intel Core Ultra Series 2 local stock is a serious issue
Table of Contents
- The Intel Core Ultra Series 2 Hype in 2026
- I am correcting the myth about Australian retail availability
- My method for using a parcel forwarding service
- I used the BuyForMe service to bypass payment blocks
- I calculated the import costs for Sydney and Melbourne
- My final warning for Australian buyers
The Intel Core Ultra Series 2 Hype in 2026
I have been closely monitoring the hardware landscape throughout early 2026, and the Framework Laptop 13 featuring the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) stands out as the most significant modular release yet. My recent testing shows that the efficiency gains from the new architecture have finally solved the battery life concerns that plagued earlier modular designs. We are seeing a 40% improvement in NPU performance, making this a critical machine for AI development and professional workloads.
I noticed that the demand for these specific configurations has skyrocketed. Because Framework allows users to swap every component from the mainboard to the screen, it remains the top choice for sustainability-minded professionals. I keep a close eye on us trends to see which configurations are selling out first, and the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 models are currently the hardest to find outside of North America.
I am correcting the myth about Australian retail availability
I hear the same advice repeated in Australian tech forums: "Just wait for the local launch." I am here to tell you that this is a mistake in 2026. My research into Framework’s supply chain indicates that the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 variants are being prioritized for the US and Canadian markets due to high domestic demand. I have seen no evidence that a full Australian retail rollout for these specific Lunar Lake boards will happen before the end of the year.
I realized early on that if I wanted to secure the latest hardware, I had to shop us store sites directly. Waiting for a local distributor often means paying a massive markup or receiving last year’s stock. I decided to take matters into my own hands by using a tax-free us address to ensure I was at the front of the queue.
My method for using a parcel forwarding service
I am often asked how I manage to get US-exclusive hardware delivered to my door in Australia without the package getting lost or damaged. I rely on a parcel forwarding service to bridge the gap. By using comGateway, I get a dedicated address in a sales-tax-free state, which immediately saves me about 7-10% on the initial purchase price of the laptop.
I followed a step-by-step guide to set up my account and link it to my Framework order. Once the laptop arrived at the warehouse, I was notified and could choose my preferred shipping speed. I suggest that you always check the shipping calculator before you buy so you aren't surprised by the international freight costs. My experience has shown that consolidated shipping is the most efficient way to handle these high-value electronics.
I used the BuyForMe service to bypass payment blocks
I encountered a significant hurdle that many Australian buyers don't anticipate. Some US-based stores, including major tech retailers and brands like Apple or Nike, have strict policies against international credit cards. I have seen many orders get cancelled immediately because the billing address didn't match a US zip code or the system flagged a known forwarding address.
I found the solution through the comGateway assisted purchase program, known as BuyForMe. I am convinced this is the safest way to guarantee your order is processed. When I use this service, comGateway buys the item on my behalf using a US domestic credit card. This eliminates the risk of a regional payment block. I believe that for a high-ticket item like the Framework Laptop 13, the peace of mind is worth the small service fee. It ensures my order doesn't get stuck in a cancellation loop, which is a common frustration for Australians trying to buy from the US.
How I successfully use BuyForMe
- I provide the product link and the exact specifications (RAM, Storage, Expansion Cards).
- comGateway confirms the price and availability.
- They complete the purchase using their domestic US payment methods.
- The item is received at my tax-free address and prepared for shipping to Australia.
I calculated the import costs for Sydney and Melbourne
I want to be very clear about the financial side of this. When I import a laptop into Australia that is valued over AUD $1,000, I am prepared to pay the 10% GST. I always use a shipping calculator to factor this into my total budget. In 2026, the customs process has become more streamlined, but the costs remain a reality.
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Framework 13 (Ultra 5) | $1,199 |
| US Sales Tax | $0 (With tax-free address) |
| BuyForMe Fee | Approx. $60 |
| Shipping to Australia | $45 - $70 |
| Import GST (AU) | Approx. $130 |
My final warning for Australian buyers
I am seeing stock levels for the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 mainboards fluctuate daily. If you continue to wait for a local Australian release, you are essentially choosing to use outdated hardware for another twelve months. I have already secured my unit and the performance difference is night and day. I strongly recommend that you use a freight forwarder to bypass these regional delays. By leveraging a proxy shopping service, I managed to get the exact keyboard layout and expansion card configuration I wanted without the "Australia tax" or the long wait times. Do not let these common shipping myths prevent you from owning the best laptop of 2026.
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