The Framework Laptop 12 is the kind of gadget that forces a rethink about what a mainstream laptop can — and should — be: a genuinely modular, repairable 2‑in‑1 you can buy as a bare‑bones DIY kit, assemble yourself, and run Linux on with official, step‑by‑step support. That combination of affordability, expandability, and explicit Linux friendliness is precisely the headline ZDNET highlighted when its reviewer built a Framework Laptop 12 into a working Linux machine in minutes, and it’s the reason this product matters for anyone thinking about upgrading a Windows laptop or extending a device’s useful life.
Framework has spent the last few years building a reputation around one core idea: laptops should be modular, repairable, and long‑lived. The company’s earlier Framework Laptop 13 proved the concept for a premium modular notebook; the Laptop 12 brings those design principles into a smaller, cheaper, convertible package aimed squarely at students, education programs, and everyday users who value sustainability and easy upgrades. The product debuted in early 2025 and opened preorders in April, with the DIY edition starting at a $549 bare‑bones price and prebuilt options available for buyers who prefer a ready‑to‑run machine.
This is not a spec war entry. Framework deliberately uses modest, power‑efficient 13th‑Gen Intel U‑series chips (the i3‑1315U and i5‑1334U), an M.2 2230 SSD slot, and a single SODIMM memory slot supporting up to 48GB DDR5‑5200 — a curious and welcome ceiling that points to upgradeability without locking consumers into a single factory configuration. The 12.2‑inch 1920×1200 touchscreen with a 360° hinge makes the unit a true convertible, and the company retains its signature swappable Expansion Cards — a USB‑C‑centric port system that lets you define the I/O layout yourself.
Practical purchase checklist for DIY buyers:
The Framework Laptop 12 reframes what a budget, compact laptop can mean in 2025: not merely low cost, but low environmental cost, higher repairability, and real user agency. It’s a practical choice for anyone who can accept modest raw performance for a device they can own, upgrade, and fix — and, critically, one of the few mainstream laptops that makes switching to Linux an officially documented, supported path rather than an act of faith.
Conclusion: For builders, students, and pragmatic Linux switchers, the Framework Laptop 12 is more than a novelty — it’s a meaningful alternative to disposable laptop economics, delivered with real documentation and an approachable DIY experience. If the idea of a customizable, repair‑first laptop appeals, the Framework Laptop 12 deserves a top‑of‑list look.
Source: ZDNET Upgrading your Windows laptop? I built my own Linux machine in minutes (and you can, too)
Background / Overview
Framework has spent the last few years building a reputation around one core idea: laptops should be modular, repairable, and long‑lived. The company’s earlier Framework Laptop 13 proved the concept for a premium modular notebook; the Laptop 12 brings those design principles into a smaller, cheaper, convertible package aimed squarely at students, education programs, and everyday users who value sustainability and easy upgrades. The product debuted in early 2025 and opened preorders in April, with the DIY edition starting at a $549 bare‑bones price and prebuilt options available for buyers who prefer a ready‑to‑run machine. This is not a spec war entry. Framework deliberately uses modest, power‑efficient 13th‑Gen Intel U‑series chips (the i3‑1315U and i5‑1334U), an M.2 2230 SSD slot, and a single SODIMM memory slot supporting up to 48GB DDR5‑5200 — a curious and welcome ceiling that points to upgradeability without locking consumers into a single factory configuration. The 12.2‑inch 1920×1200 touchscreen with a 360° hinge makes the unit a true convertible, and the company retains its signature swappable Expansion Cards — a USB‑C‑centric port system that lets you define the I/O layout yourself.
What Framework 12 Gets Right
Design and modular philosophy
- Modular, repairable construction. Every user‑replaceable part is accessible and documented; Framework ships comprehensive guides and video walkthroughs that walk less technical users through assembly and replacements. That documentation is front and center on Framework’s guides site and in community materials, and the ZDNET reviewer specifically praised those how‑tos for making the DIY path approachable.
- Practical color options. Unlike many OEMs that stick with one or two bland finishes, Framework’s DIY models are available in several two‑tone colorways (bubblegum, lavender, sage, and more) — a small, human touch that makes the unit feel less like a sterile tool and more like a personal device. Prebuilt units are currently black only.
- Port flexibility. The Expansion Card system continues to be a differentiator: you choose which ports you want and where they sit on the chassis. This eliminates compromises like “right‑side only” or “left‑side only” and keeps replaceable ports out of proprietary repair cycles.
Linux readiness and official support
Framework has embraced Linux as a first‑class option for the Laptop 12. The company’s guides include step‑by‑step installation instructions for distributions that matter to newcomers and advanced users alike: Linux Mint, Ubuntu, NixOS, Arch, and more, complete with notes on secure‑boot nuances, firmware updates, and tablet‑mode behavior. For users switching from Windows, that official guidance lowers the friction substantially — no guessing which kernel or driver will behave, and no need to hunt through forums for hardware workarounds. The ZDNET review highlighted that Linux installation was straightforward and well‑documented.Hardware and Performance: Practical, Not Radical
CPU, memory, and storage
- Available CPUs: Intel Core i3‑1315U (base) and i5‑1334U (performance upgrade). These are power‑efficient 13th‑Gen U‑series parts intended for everyday productivity rather than sustained heavy compute tasks.
- Memory: Single SODIMM slot supporting up to 48GB DDR5‑5200. This unusual single‑slot, high‑capacity approach keeps a low entry price while still enabling serious memory upgrades later.
- Storage: Single M.2 2230 NVMe slot supporting up to 2TB — compact but modern and user‑serviceable. Bring‑your‑own SSD can materially lower the initial cost for DIY builders.
Real‑world performance
Framework’s hardware choices mean the Laptop 12 is optimized for responsive web, document work, video calls, and light media tasks. Independent reviews and hands‑on testing consistently report that while the laptop handles daily workloads smoothly, it will not compete with ultraportable performance flagships for heavy video encoding, large virtual machines, or sustained multi‑threaded workloads. Reviewers describe snappy everyday performance but modest multi‑core throughput, consistent with the thermal and power budget of U‑series chips.Display, Battery and Build Tradeoffs
- Display: 12.2‑inch 1920×1200 touchscreen, ~3:2 aspect ratio and stylus support. The panel is serviceable and bright (reports cite >400 nits in some configs) but reviewers note muted color and high reflectivity, and the unit has noticeably chunky bezels compared with premium rivals. Those bezels lower perceived premium‑ness but align with a price‑conscious, repair‑first design.
- Battery: 50 Wh pack, USB‑C charging (60W charger offered). Battery life reports vary across tests: ZDNET’s hands‑on found about 10 hours with Wi‑Fi on under light workloads, whereas other reviews recorded closer to 7–8 hours for mixed use. That variance is real: browser‑heavy workloads, screen brightness, and background services produce wide swings in runtime on modest U‑series chips. Consider these numbers informed estimates rather than guaranteed outcomes.
- Durability: Framework emphasizes resilience and repairability over glass‑and‑aluminum minimalism. The Laptop 12 uses a TPU/ABS body with an internal metal frame and advertises MIL‑STD‑810 durability features for drops and bumps — another signal that the product is built for real use and classroom life rather than vanity thinness.
How Easy Is the DIY Build — and What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Framework’s DIY edition ships as a kit: you supply RAM, storage, and the OS, and you assemble the keyboard, I/O, and internals. For the uninitiated, the process is intentionally gentle: everything is documented with QR‑linked videos and step guides; the company even marks internal parts to help you identify what to do next. ZDNET’s account is clear — assembling and installing an OS is approachable for a first‑timer, and Framework’s official guides remove much of the mystery.Practical purchase checklist for DIY buyers:
- Buy compatible DDR5 SODIMM (check speed and capacity claims).
- Buy an M.2 2230 NVMe SSD or plan to supply your own.
- If you plan to install Windows, consider adding an Ethernet expansion card to avoid Wi‑Fi driver pitfalls during first setup.
- Prepare an OS USB stick (Rufus or balenaEtcher for Linux installs). Framework’s guides explicitly show Linux Mint, NixOS, Arch, and others.
Installing Linux: Straightforward, With Official Guides
One of the most consequential strengths of the Framework Laptop 12 is that Framework publishes official, distribution‑specific installation guides. That matters: installing Linux on new hardware often requires distro‑specific kernel options, secure‑boot handling, and firmware updates. Framework’s guides walk users through:- Creating verified bootable USB media (Rufus, balenaEtcher).
- Secure Boot notes and when to use MOK or disable Secure Boot.
- Firmware updates via LVFS and how to check your current firmware.
- Distribution‑specific steps (Linux Mint, NixOS, Arch) — including tips for tablet mode or touch/pen support.
Price, Availability, and the Tariff Wildcard
- Pricing: The DIY starter price of $549 (no RAM/SSD/charger/OS) is a headline number and an aggressive entry into the modular laptop space. Framework also offered prebuilt configurations (e.g., base prebuilt around $799 in some markets) that include RAM, a 500GB SSD, a charger, and Windows. Independent outlets and Framework’s own announcements corroborate these price points. Remember that DIY pricing assumes you already own or will buy RAM and SSD separately.
- Availability caveats: Geopolitics and tariffs have affected availability in some regions. Framework briefly paused some US sales and adjusted shipping for certain SKUs in early 2025 because of import tariff pressures; the company has navigated those constraints but buyers should double‑check shipping and tax implications for their country and chosen configuration. This is a material factor: availability and final cost can vary by region because of duty/tariff regimes.
Competitors and Alternatives: Where the Laptop 12 Sits
The Laptop 12 targets buyers who prioritize repairability, modular expandability, and choice of OS. Comparable alternatives include:- Chromebooks (Lenovo Chromebook Plus, Acer Chromebook Spin 514) — typically cheaper out of the box, often more battery‑efficient, but less modular and generally locked to ChromeOS. ZDNET and other reviews point out that Chromebooks are simpler for non‑technical users but don’t offer the same repair‑first lifecycle or Linux flexibility.
- Small convertible Windows laptops (Surface Laptop Go, entry Ultrabooks) — may offer a more premium display or thinner chassis, but they lack Framework’s upgrade path and user‑replaceable components.
For students, the trade is clear: a Chromebook will be cheaper and easier to manage for basic tasks, but Framework offers a longer product life, the ability to run a full desktop Linux distribution, and repairability that reduces long‑term waste and total cost of ownership.
Strengths — What to Celebrate
- Repairability and longevity. Swappable battery, keyboard, ports, storage, and RAM mean the laptop can be repaired rather than replaced.
- Official Linux support. Framework’s vendor‑authored Linux guides are rare and materially reduce the switching friction for new Linux users.
- Customization at purchase and later. DIY colorways, expansion card choices, and upgrade paths let buyers tune cost vs capability.
- Education market fit. Durable construction, stylus/tablet mode, and a focus on long life make it attractive for schools and student programs.
Risks and Caveats — What Buyers Should Watch For
- Modest raw performance. The U‑series 13th‑Gen chips are efficient but not high performance. Workloads such as heavy video editing, large compile jobs, or sustained VMs will show their limits. Treat this as an everyday productivity machine, not a mobile workstation.
- Display quality vs price. The 12.2‑inch panel is functional and touch‑capable, but reviewers agree colors and reflectance aren’t top tier, and thick bezels make the device look less premium than some rivals. If color accuracy is a priority, consider another option.
- Regional price and shipping uncertainty. Tariffs and shipping constraints have periodically affected Framework’s US pricing and availability. Buyers should confirm current pricing for their location before assuming the $549 entry point is the final out‑the‑door cost.
- Single SODIMM tradeoffs. A single memory slot reduces manufacturing complexity and keeps prices lower, but it eliminates dual‑channel memory benefits unless Framework uses specific high‑frequency modules. The upside is upgrade potential; the downside is that the initial factory RAM choice strongly affects real‑world memory bandwidth.
- Battery life variability. Published runtimes vary significantly between reviewers; treat any number (7–10 hours) as conditional on workload and settings. If long battery life under heavy web workloads is critical, test or plan for conservative expectations.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the Framework Laptop 12?
Buy it if:- You want a laptop you can upgrade and repair yourself rather than replace.
- You’re excited about learning Linux or want an officially supported path to run Linux on modern hardware.
- You value sustainability and reduced e‑waste, and are comfortable selecting RAM/SSD or paying extra for a prebuilt model.
- You need top‑tier display quality or maximum sustained CPU performance for heavy workloads.
- You prefer turnkey simplicity and exclusive out‑of‑the‑box battery endurance for all‑day, heavy browser usage (Chromebooks or premium Windows ultrabooks may be a better fit).
Quick Start: If You Buy a DIY Framework 12 and Want Linux
- Order the DIY kit and buy a compatible DDR5 SODIMM and M.2 2230 NVMe SSD.
- Download your distro ISO (Linux Mint is a friendly start) and verify checksums.
- Create a USB installer with balenaEtcher (macOS/Linux) or Rufus (Windows).
- Assemble the Laptop 12 following Framework’s Quick Start and Guides pages — they include video and troubleshooting for each step.
- Boot the Live USB, test hardware (Wi‑Fi, touch, stylus), then install. If you encounter tablet‑mode quirks, check the Ubuntu/25.04 or distro‑specific notes Framework publishes for tablet behavior and rotation handling.
The Framework Laptop 12 reframes what a budget, compact laptop can mean in 2025: not merely low cost, but low environmental cost, higher repairability, and real user agency. It’s a practical choice for anyone who can accept modest raw performance for a device they can own, upgrade, and fix — and, critically, one of the few mainstream laptops that makes switching to Linux an officially documented, supported path rather than an act of faith.
Conclusion: For builders, students, and pragmatic Linux switchers, the Framework Laptop 12 is more than a novelty — it’s a meaningful alternative to disposable laptop economics, delivered with real documentation and an approachable DIY experience. If the idea of a customizable, repair‑first laptop appeals, the Framework Laptop 12 deserves a top‑of‑list look.
Source: ZDNET Upgrading your Windows laptop? I built my own Linux machine in minutes (and you can, too)