I built a working Linux laptop in under an hour using Framework’s DIY Laptop 12 kit, and the experience crystallizes a shift that matters: modular, repairable hardware plus clear vendor documentation makes switching away from Windows practical for far more people than the hobbyist crowd.
Framework’s Laptop 12 is a deliberately modular, repairable 2‑in‑1 aimed at students, educators, and users who value longevity and choice over maximal specs. The company offers a bare‑bones DIY edition starting at $549 (you supply memory, storage and the OS), plus prebuilt configurations that include RAM, storage and an OS for higher prices.
The machine ships with one of two power‑efficient Intel 13th‑Gen U‑series CPUs (Core i3‑1315U or Core i5‑1334U), a 12.2‑inch 1920×1200 touchscreen with a 360° hinge, one user‑accessible SODIMM slot (upgradable to up to 48 GB DDR5), and an M.2‑2230 NVMe SSD form factor. Framework’s signature Expansion Cards let you pick and swap I/O (USB‑C, USB‑A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD, etc.) without soldering or proprietary repairs.
Crucially for the “ditch Windows” crowd, Framework publishes distribution‑specific Linux installation guides and actively markets the Laptop 12 as Linux‑friendly—official docs cover Linux Mint, Ubuntu, NixOS and others, including Secure Boot notes and firmware update steps. That official support materially lowers friction when you build and install a non‑Windows OS.
That said, buyer diligence matters: check regional pricing, read the distro guide for Secure Boot steps, and test the display and build quality if those aspects are important to you. Framework’s official docs and the vibrant community resources make this a realistic project for newcomers, but real‑world durability reports and performance tradeoffs mean this is a deliberate choice, not a universal one.
Framework’s Laptop 12 shows how hardware and documentation can remove the biggest friction point for switching operating systems: vendor uncertainty. For Windows users ready to reclaim control, reduce e‑waste and experiment with Linux on a machine built to be opened and upgraded, the Laptop 12 is one of the most practical entry paths available today.
Source: ZDNET I ditched Windows and built a Linux laptop in minutes - here's how you can, too
Framework’s Laptop 12 is a deliberately modular, repairable 2‑in‑1 aimed at students, educators, and users who value longevity and choice over maximal specs. The company offers a bare‑bones DIY edition starting at $549 (you supply memory, storage and the OS), plus prebuilt configurations that include RAM, storage and an OS for higher prices. The machine ships with one of two power‑efficient Intel 13th‑Gen U‑series CPUs (Core i3‑1315U or Core i5‑1334U), a 12.2‑inch 1920×1200 touchscreen with a 360° hinge, one user‑accessible SODIMM slot (upgradable to up to 48 GB DDR5), and an M.2‑2230 NVMe SSD form factor. Framework’s signature Expansion Cards let you pick and swap I/O (USB‑C, USB‑A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD, etc.) without soldering or proprietary repairs.
Crucially for the “ditch Windows” crowd, Framework publishes distribution‑specific Linux installation guides and actively markets the Laptop 12 as Linux‑friendly—official docs cover Linux Mint, Ubuntu, NixOS and others, including Secure Boot notes and firmware update steps. That official support materially lowers friction when you build and install a non‑Windows OS.
Why this matters now
Linux on laptops has long been “possible” but often involved lengthy forum sleuthing and driver black‑magic. Two recent shifts make a practical Linux build realistic for non‑experts:- Hardware vendors publishing official Linux guides and firmware procedures (Framework is a prime example).
- Better upstream driver support for mainstream components (Wi‑Fi, Intel integrated graphics) and improved packaging in popular distros. This reduces the post‑install troubleshooting that once derailed many first‑time installers.
The build: what you actually buy and assemble
What comes in the box (DIY edition)
- Bare chassis with display, keyboard frame, hinges and expansion card slots.
- Tool and instruction kit for assembly; internal parts are QR‑labeled linking to step‑by‑step videos.
- No RAM, no SSD, no charger and no operating system in the cheapest SKU—those are optional extras.
What you need to add
- M.2 2230 NVMe SSD (many consumer SSDs for modern ultralights use 2230 or 2280; Laptop 12 uses 2230).
- DDR5 SODIMM memory (check the DDR5‑5200/5600 speed guidance in Framework’s spec pages) — single slot supports up to 48 GB if you want headroom.
- USB‑C charger if your prebuilt option omitted one; the DIY price assumes you’ll supply power.
The assembly experience
- Framework’s documentation is intentionally beginner‑friendly: each part has a QR code linking to a short video or step guide. If you can follow a Lego-style build and handle an M.2 screw, you can assemble this laptop. The company’s design minimizes the need for specialty tools.
Installing Linux: the practical path I used (and that ZDNet walked through)
Below is a tested, practical sequence that mirrors the Framework guide approach—useful if you want to replicate the “minutes to working Linux” claim.- Prepare hardware:
- Install your DDR5 SODIMM and M.2‑2230 NVMe SSD into the DIY chassis using the included screwdriver.
- Insert any Expansion Cards you want for first boot (I added an Ethernet card to avoid potential Wi‑Fi driver issues during initial OS installation).
- Make a verified bootable USB:
- Download the distro ISO (Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora or your choice) and verify its SHA‑256 sum. Use Rufus, BalenaEtcher, or Ventoy to flash an 8–16 GB USB. Verification prevents corrupted media.
- Boot and test in Live mode:
- Boot the Framework Laptop 12 from the USB. Use the “Try”/Live environment to check Wi‑Fi, touchscreen, pen input, audio and webcam before writing to disk. Framework’s docs include distro‑specific tips for tablet mode and stylus behavior.
- Install:
- Choose “Erase disk and install” or set up dual‑boot as needed. Follow installer prompts; create a user account and enable full‑disk encryption if desired. After the first reboot, run the distro’s update tool and install any recommended drivers.
- Firmware and final tweaks:
- Update firmware using LVFS or Framework’s firmware tools where advised. Enroll any MOK keys if Secure Boot requires it (Framework’s guides explain when to use MOK vs disabling Secure Boot). Re‑test tablet mode, pen, and Wi‑Fi.
- Optional: install snapshots and backups
- Install Timeshift (or equivalent) and create a first snapshot. That gives you a quick rollback if an update causes trouble.
Real hardware tradeoffs: performance, battery and display
Framework’s design priorities are repairability and modularity rather than being a spec‑sheet champion.- CPUs: The Laptop 12 uses Intel’s efficient 13th‑Gen U‑series chips (Core i3‑1315U base, upgrade to Core i5‑1334U for more responsive multitasking). These chips are fine for document work, web browsing, light IDE use and media playback—but they’re not meant for heavy content creation or long encoding runs.
- Memory & storage: Single SODIMM slot upgradable to up to 48 GB of DDR5 and an M.2‑2230 slot for fast NVMe storage. That makes for useful upgrade paths but also means you must plan upgrades yourself if you buy the bare kit.
- Battery life: Published real‑world reviews show a range depending on configuration and test. PCWorld and Ars Technica measured battery‑life figures in the neighborhood of a full workday under light workloads (~8–11 hours in different test suites), while other outlets found more modest numbers in heavier mixed workloads. Expect good but not class‑leading endurance; careful power profiles and the i3 SKU will extend the runtime.
- Display: The 12.2‑inch 1920×1200 touchscreen is serviceable and touch/pen capable, but reviewers commonly call out thick bezels, muted color and high reflectivity compared with more premium IPS/OLED panels. For students and travelers the panel is adequate; for color‑critical work it’s a limitation.
Strengths: where Framework 12 truly shines
- Repairability and upgradeability — nearly every part is user‑replaceable, with video guides and labeled components that remove much of the intimidation factor. This is the strongest consumer argument for Framework.
- Modular I/O — Expansion Cards let you tailor ports and move them between devices; ideal for schools and travel setups where port needs vary.
- Vendor‑backed Linux documentation — official distro guides reduce guesswork and make Linux a first‑class option rather than a gamble. That moves the Laptop 12 beyond “Linux‑compatible” into “designed for Linux users.”
- Sensible price entry point — the $549 DIY starting point invites experimentation and reduces the cost of trying Linux on a modern device (while acknowledging you must add RAM/SSD).
Risks, caveats and what to test before you commit
- Hardware edge cases and early QA notes: Despite manufacturer claims about MIL‑STD‑810 durability, real‑world user reports have surfaced about cracking in some bottom covers and screen fragility—Framework has acknowledged and addressed some of these issues with replacements and minor tooling updates. Manufacturer claims do not replace real‑world testing. If ruggedness is crucial, verify a review unit or check the latest warranty support guidance.
- Display limitations: The panel’s color and reflectivity are commonly flagged; don’t buy the Laptop 12 if you need an accurate color workspace without an external monitor.
- Performance ceilings: The U‑series Intel chips are optimized for power efficiency. If you expect heavy CPU/GPU workloads (video editing, heavy virtualization or large code compilations), consider Framework’s larger Laptop 13 or Laptop 16 models or other performance‑oriented laptops.
- Gaming and anti‑cheat: Titles that depend on kernel‑level anti‑cheat systems may not work reliably under Linux even with Proton; competitive gamers should verify each title on ProtonDB or keep a Windows fallback.
- Regional pricing and availability: The DIY MSRP is accurate for some markets, but import tariffs and shipping taxes can affect final price and availability. Framework navigated tariff issues in 2025 affecting US availability for select batches—confirm pricing and ship dates for your region.
- Secure Boot and proprietary drivers: Some GPU or Wi‑Fi edge cases may require manual MOK enrollment or disabling Secure Boot during installation. Framework’s guides cover this, but users unfamiliar with firmware menus should read the distro page in advance.
A practical checklist before you buy a DIY Framework Laptop 12 (short version)
- Confirm the final price for your country (tariffs/shipping can change the math).
- Buy an M.2‑2230 NVMe SSD (confirm the length/connector), and DDR5 SODIMM that matches Framework’s recommended speed.
- Decide on a distro and pre‑download the ISO; verify the SHA‑256 checksum ahead of time.
- Prepare an Ethernet Expansion Card if you expect early Wi‑Fi driver friction during initial OS installs.
- Read Framework’s distro guide for your chosen OS and follow the firmware update steps after initial install.
Who should ditch Windows for a Framework + Linux approach — and who should wait
Switch now if:- You value repairability and long device lifecycle over the absolute lightest weight or thinnest chassis.
- Your workflows are browser‑centric, cloud‑based or rely on cross‑platform apps.
- You want to learn and take ownership of your device’s software stack and updates, and you appreciate clear vendor docs for Linux.
- You depend on Windows‑only, latency‑sensitive enterprise or creative apps with no good Linux equivalents.
- You’re a competitive gamer relying on anti‑cheat systems not supported on Linux.
- You need the absolute best color‑accurate display out of the box, or maximum single‑threaded performance for sustained workloads.
Final verdict: a pragmatic gateway to escaping Windows lock‑in
Framework’s Laptop 12 isn’t about delivering the fastest silicon or the most luxurious screen; it’s about a different promise: your laptop is yours. For users who care about repairability, modular ports, and vendor‑backed Linux support, it’s the clearest, lowest‑risk route to building a modern Linux laptop without the usual scavenger hunt for drivers and firmware fixes. The DIY price point dramatically lowers the barrier to experimentation: buy the chassis, add your RAM and a 2230 SSD, pick a distro, and you can be running Linux on purpose-built hardware in a practical, repeatable way.That said, buyer diligence matters: check regional pricing, read the distro guide for Secure Boot steps, and test the display and build quality if those aspects are important to you. Framework’s official docs and the vibrant community resources make this a realistic project for newcomers, but real‑world durability reports and performance tradeoffs mean this is a deliberate choice, not a universal one.
Quick start: 30‑minute action plan (if you already have the parts)
- Unbox and install RAM + M.2 SSD (15 minutes).
- Flash your chosen distro to a USB and verify checksum (5–10 minutes).
- Boot Live USB, test Wi‑Fi/touch/pen, then run installer (10–30 minutes).
- Update firmware via LVFS and create an initial Timeshift snapshot. (10–20 minutes).
Framework’s Laptop 12 shows how hardware and documentation can remove the biggest friction point for switching operating systems: vendor uncertainty. For Windows users ready to reclaim control, reduce e‑waste and experiment with Linux on a machine built to be opened and upgraded, the Laptop 12 is one of the most practical entry paths available today.
Source: ZDNET I ditched Windows and built a Linux laptop in minutes - here's how you can, too