When Framework debuted its repairable and upgradeable Laptop 13 a few years back, it was precisely the innovation we needed in the world of portable computing. This was a laptop that allowed you to customize its internal components at the time of purchase and subsequently upgrade or repair various parts as needed. Although it came at a premium price, it meant you wouldn’t need to spend a fortune on a new laptop every five years simply because you lacked sufficient RAM.
The company is back for another round. Just recently, Framework unveiled the Laptop 12, along with a new desktop PC. The Laptop 12 is an economically-friendly option that doesn’t look bad, is fully modular, and delivers strong performance with a respectable display. If this sounds too good to be true, you’re not the only one. We’re still awaiting the price, which is crucial. Nonetheless, keeping it as a “budget” laptop is Framework’s primary aim.
“We create products to address what we perceive as a flawed industry, and few categories exemplify the issues with consumer electronics as entry-level laptops,” stated Framework CEO Nirav Patel on the company’s blog. Whether or not Framework has the solution, Patel’s analysis is spot on. Searching for an affordable Windows laptop today can lead to frustration regarding the industry’s current state. They often come underpowered, sluggish, and decidedly unattractive.
Potential Chromebook Rival
The Framework Laptop 12 features a modest 12.2-inch display, which is reflected in its name. However, it’s a convertible 2-in-1 device, meaning it has a 360-degree hinge that lets you rotate the screen for tablet use. This setup includes a touchscreen and an optional stylus—a first for Framework.
Several details remain undisclosed, such as the laptop’s thickness and weight—these specifics will be revealed when preorders commence in April—but images of the device showcase a chic PC that outshines any budget laptop I’ve encountered. The five vibrant, new color choices add to the appeal.
That said, it does feature somewhat bulky bezels around the display, a characteristic not commonly seen outside the budget Chromebook market these days. The Laptop 12 compensates for this by providing a display that exceeds the typical quality found in lower-end laptops. It boasts a resolution of 1920 X 1200 pixels and can reach up to 400 nits of brightness (the MacBook Air peaks at 500 nits).
Once again, Framework’s standout feature is its modularity. Unlike Chromebooks—and almost all Windows laptops—the Framework Laptop 12 is fully modular, much like its larger counterparts. The Mainboard system remains intact, allowing for easy swapping of the CPU (along with the motherboard) for a more up-to-date component years down the line. The process is so straightforward that an IT administrator could upgrade a host of these PCs within just a few hours.
