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No matter which OS you choose, Framework 12’s modular nature allows for a higher degree of customization than a stock laptop. In addition to the brand’s standout colorways, unique build, and good durability, you can pick your own hardware, I/O ports, and even how they’re placed on the chassis.
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This kind of practical customization is at the heart of Framework’s laptop design: challenging the notion that laptops “need” to be built a certain way, and that it’s possible — easy, even — to shake up the status quo.
But it’s not just about customization; Framework’s laptops are designed for easy repair, with replaceable individual components contributing to device longevity, instead of “getting a new one” just because your HDMI port is dead.
Each individual part inside the laptop is marked with a QR code that links to a detailed video and/or How-To article describing how to replace it as part of Framework’s robust library of support content.
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Accessible guides like these do a lot to empower users to repair their own devices, especially those who aren’t necessarily “computer people” but don’t want to be bullied into buying a new device every few years just because something breaks (or an operating system stops being supported).
If you choose the DIY version, your laptop will come unassembled, meaning you will need to put together all of the physical components, including the memory and storage, keyboard, and all of the input/output ports. You will also need to install your own OS (which I’ll expand on shortly).
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As far as internal hardware goes, you can choose between an i3-1315U or i5-1334U CPU, two 13th-gen Intel Core processors designed for lightweight, power-efficient laptops geared towards everyday tasks instead of demanding, performance-driven workloads.
The 2-in-1 form factor is an added plus, allowing for even more use case flexibility, especially with the stylus in tablet mode or as a practical entertainment laptop in tent mode. In that sense, the Framework Laptop 12 makes for a durable, customizable laptop for kids, students, or as a travel device, with the added bonus of customization and the perks of a DIY approach.
Out of the box, the Framework Laptop comes with all the components you need to get your laptop started, and the previously mentioned startup guides are very helpful at breaking the process down into digestible steps. Even if you’ve never put together a computer before, I’m confident you could assemble a Framework laptop.
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Once things are up and running, the next step is installing your chosen operating system. If you went with Windows, I recommend including an Ethernet port among the other ports you selected. That way, you can plug your laptop directly into your modem to install and update Windows without worrying about Wi-Fi drivers.
If you want to install Linux on the Framework Laptop 12, Framework has a library of installation guides for several distributions, including Mint, NixOS, Fedora, and Ubuntu. I’d recommend doing the research ahead of time on which distro you want, and familiarizing yourself with the basics before going fresh on a brand new laptop.
I’m a big fan of the laptop’s physical build, which measures 11.3 inches and feels durable and utilitarian, but with a distinctly portable body. The MIL-STD-810 durability rating means it’s resilient enough to handle drops and bumps.
This puts the laptop in similar company as devices like Lenovo’s 11-inch Chromebook Duet — another highly portable 2-in-1 I recommend for students — but is half the price and runs ChromeOS instead of a full Windows or Linux OS.
So, yes, there are plenty of competitive Windows alternatives around the same price as the Framework Laptop 12. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus, for example, is one of my favorite Chromebooks of this year. Acer’s Chromebook Plus Spin 514, with the same 2-in-1 form factor and $549 starting price, speaks to a similar consumer.
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These stock laptops may be easier to get started with out of the box, but the Framework Laptop 12 plays the long game with easy repairability, extending its lifecycle, reducing e-waste, and empowering the consumer in the process.
ZDNET’s buying advice
While its display isn’t exactly the most premium, it’s just fine for its intended use case. The Framework Laptop 12 is the most portable, budget-friendly of the brand’s lineup, with modest hardware for everyday tasks, students, or as a secondary travel device. If you’re looking for a DIY laptop with more performance-driven hardware, check out the Framework Laptop 13.