Framework is taking aim at the notoriously underwhelming budget laptop market with its newest offering. The company, known for its modular and repairable computers, has previewed the Framework Laptop 12 - a compact, convertible device designed to bring quality, longevity, and repairability to an often neglected segment of the computing market.
A Fresh Approach to Budget Computing
Framework CEO Nirav Patel didn't mince words when describing the current state of entry-level laptops, calling them janky, locked-down, disposable, underpowered, and frankly, boring machines. The Framework Laptop 12 represents the company's attempt to address these shortcomings by bringing their philosophy of modularity and repairability to a more accessible price point. Patel even noted that this is in many ways the product I started the company to create, highlighting its significance to Framework's mission.
Innovative Design Features
The Laptop 12 breaks new ground for Framework in several ways. It's the company's first touchscreen device, first 2-in-1 convertible with a 360-degree hinge, and smallest laptop to date with a 12.2-inch display. The device features an overmolded shock-absorbing TPU outer edge that makes it more durable for students and young users. Available in several bold color options including mint and pink (a choice championed by senior industrial designer Esther Yen), the Laptop 12 aims to stand out visually from typical budget offerings.
Technical Specifications
Under the hood, the Framework Laptop 12 will come equipped with either a 13th Gen Intel Core i3 or i5 processor from 2023. The 1920x1200 display boasts over 400 nits of brightness with both touch and stylus support. Memory configurations will go up to 48GB of RAM, with storage options up to 2TB of NVMe storage. The device also includes Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Framework Laptop 12 Key Specifications
- Display: 12.2-inch, 1920x1200 resolution, 400+ nits brightness, touchscreen with stylus support
- Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i3 or i5 (2023)
- Memory: Up to 48GB RAM
- Storage: Up to 2TB NVMe SSD
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E
- Ports: Four modular Expansion Card slots plus headphone jack
- Battery: 50Wh
- Form Factor: 2-in-1 convertible with 360-degree hinge
- Special Features: Shock-absorbing TPU outer edge, fully modular and repairable design
- Availability: Preorders in April, shipping mid-2025
Modularity Remains Core
True to Framework's ethos, the Laptop 12 maintains the company's commitment to modularity. It features four of Framework's signature Expansion Card slots, allowing users to customize their port selection. According to investor Linus Sebastian, who got an exclusive look under the hood, the device houses a 50Wh battery and offers easier SSD swaps than previous models. Framework claims this will be their easiest product ever to repair, with simplified access to components like the keyboard and RAM.
Pricing and Availability
While Framework hasn't revealed specific pricing details, they've indicated the Laptop 12 will be lower cost compared to the Framework Laptop 13, which typically starts around USD $750 for DIY models with previous-generation chips or USD $1,100 for prebuilt systems with the latest components. Patel did hint that they won't be competing with the lowest-end Chromebooks, suggesting a mid-range positioning in the budget market.
Market Positioning
The Framework Laptop 12 appears positioned to challenge both Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops by offering superior build quality, display specifications, and unprecedented upgradeability in its class. The company seems particularly focused on educational markets, where durable, long-lasting, and easily serviceable devices could provide significant value over time compared to disposable alternatives.
Launch Timeline
Framework plans to open preorders for the Laptop 12 in April 2025, with shipping expected to begin in mid-2025. This announcement comes alongside news of an AMD mainboard for the Framework Laptop 13 and the introduction of the Framework Desktop, expanding the company's ecosystem of repairable computing products.