Article #006
Framework Laptop 12: The new kid on the block
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Framework Laptop 12
Framework Laptop 12
The last laptop you'll ever need, cheaper than ever.
Introduction:
Introduction:
Breaking the Cycle of Disposable Tech
Breaking the Cycle of Disposable Tech
Framework 13
Framework 16
In an industry often criticized for pushing endless cycles of consumption with devices designed to be replaced rather than repaired, one company is daring to be different: Framework. Their approach isn't just about building good laptops; it's about fundamentally changing our relationship with the electronics we own. Here at Duck Lifeline, where we value longevity, transparency, and empowering users, Framework's mission resonates deeply.
This year, they're bringing their revolutionary philosophy to an even more accessible form factor with the Framework Laptop 12, a 12.2-inch touchscreen convertible notebook. Let's explore what Framework stands for, what the Laptop 12 brings to the table, and why we at Duck Lifeline are proud to use and recommend their products.
The Framework Story: A Mission to Fix Consumer Electronics
The Framework Story: A Mission to Fix Consumer Electronics
Founded in January 2020 by Nirav Patel, a former hardware lead at Oculus, Framework Computer Inc. was born out of a frustration with the prevailing "disposable" nature of consumer electronics. Patel saw an industry where complex, expensive devices were often rendered useless by a single failing component that couldn't be easily replaced, leading to massive e-waste and unnecessary expense for consumers.
Framework's mission is simple yet profound: to prove that consumer electronics can be durable goods, designed for longevity, repairability, and upgradeability. They launched their first product, the Framework Laptop 13, in 2021, which quickly gained praise for its modular design and commitment to the Right to Repair movement. Their approach has garnered support from tech enthusiasts and advocates alike, recognizing that true innovation means building products that last and empowering users to maintain them.
Meet the Framework Laptop 12:
Meet the Framework Laptop 12:
Small, Mighty, and Made to Last
Small, Mighty, and Made to Last
The newly announced Framework Laptop 12, with pre-orders expected in April 2025 and shipments mid-year, aims to bring Framework's core principles to a smaller, more flexible, and colorful form factor. It's positioned as a durable, repairable, and upgradeable 12.2-inch touchscreen convertible, directly challenging the often underpowered and locked-down nature of many entry-level and educational notebooks.
Key Features & Design:
Key Features & Design:
Convertible & Durable: Features a 360-degree hinge and a robust chassis made of overmolded shock-absorbing TPU over plastic with an inner metal structure. It will be available in five bold colorways.
12.2-inch Touchscreen: A 1920x1200 resolution display with >400 nit brightness, supporting MPP 2.0 and USI 2.0 styluses (an optional color-matched stylus will be available).
Modular Ports: Utilizes the same popular Expansion Card system as the Laptop 13, allowing users to choose and swap out their ports (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, MicroSD, etc.).
Privacy-Focused: Includes hardware privacy switches for the 1080p camera and microphones.
Performance & Customization:
Performance & Customization:
Powerful for its Class: Instead of typical small-core processors found in this size, it will feature 13th Gen Intel Core i3 and i5 processors.
Upgradeable Internals: Supports up to 48GB of DDR5 RAM (single SO-DIMM slot) and up to 2TB of M.2 2230 NVMe SSD storage – all modular and user-replaceable.
Connectivity: Intel AX211 Wi-Fi 6E.
DIY or Pre-built: Will be available as a "DIY Edition" (bring your own OS, memory, storage) or pre-built, likely with Windows 11. Framework also provides excellent Linux support.
Framework aims for the Laptop 12 to be a defining product, offering the longevity and upgradeability of its larger sibling in a more compact and potentially more affordable package.
Colorways:
Colorways:
Beyond the Device:
Beyond the Device:
The Framework Philosophy
The Framework Philosophy
What truly sets Framework apart isn't just what they build, but how and why.
Right to Repair: Power to the People (and Repair Shops!): Framework champions the Right to Repair. Their laptops are designed to be easily disassembled with a single included screwdriver. Every component is labeled with a QR code that links directly to step-by-step guides and replacement parts on the Framework Marketplace. This transparency empowers users and independent repair shops to fix issues themselves, extending the device's life and reducing reliance on manufacturer-controlled repairs.
Upgradeability: A Laptop That Evolves With You: Tired of your whole laptop becoming obsolete because the processor is a few generations old? Framework's most revolutionary feature is the upgradeable mainboard. When new CPUs are released, you can purchase just the new mainboard and swap it into your existing chassis, keeping your screen, keyboard, battery, and shell. This applies to memory, storage, Wi-Fi cards, and even the battery – all are easily replaceable and upgradeable.
Sustainability: Reducing E-Waste, One Part at a Time: By designing for longevity through repair and upgrades, Framework directly tackles the e-waste crisis. Their goal is to maximize the lifespan of every product sold. They utilize recycled materials (like 30-50% post-consumer recycled plastics and recycled aluminum in some models) and ensure packaging is 100% recyclable . This focus on sustainability is a core tenet of their business model.l to their ecosystem. It's not just for buying new laptops; it's where you find every individual part, from screws and cables to keyboards, batteries, mainboards, and expansion cards. This ensures that users have access to what they need to repair, customize, and upgrade their devices for years to come.
Our Pick:
Our Pick:
Why Duck Lifeline Champions Framework Laptops
Why Duck Lifeline Champions Framework Laptops
A photo of my own personal Framework 13 I use every day!
As Jacob, founder of Duck Lifeline, I've always been drawn to brands that prioritize the user, offer quality, and operate ethically. My personal interest in Framework Computers isn't just about cool tech; it's about an alignment of philosophies. Here’s why we, at Duck Lifeline, personally use and advocate for Framework:
Shared Values of Repairability & Sustainability: Our core business at Duck Lifeline is tech support and repair. Framework’s commitment to making devices easy to fix is a breath of fresh air. It’s the kind of engineering we wish all companies embraced. Reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable tech is not just good for the planet; it’s good for consumers.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Framework provides the documentation and parts that allow users (and us!) to understand and maintain their hardware. This transparency is invaluable and something we strive for in our own client interactions.
Long-Term Value & Reduced Downtime: For our own business operations, Framework Laptops offer incredible long-term value. If a component fails or needs an upgrade, we can swap it out quickly and affordably ourselves, minimizing downtime. This is a huge advantage for a small business. Shipping a single part instead of an entire laptop for repair also cuts costs and time.
Leading by Example: By using Framework Laptops, we're not just benefiting from their design; we're also making a statement. We want to support companies that do right by their customers and the environment. It allows us to show our clients that high-quality, user-serviceable technology is not a myth.
Customization for Our Needs: The Expansion Card system means we can equip our laptops with exactly the ports we need for diagnostics, client work, or presentations, without a mess of dongles.
Framework laptops aren't just tools for us; they're an embodiment of the principles we believe should guide the tech industry.
My specifications!
My specifications!
CPU: Ryzen 7640U
Memory: 32 GB DDR5-5600
Connectivity: AMD RZ616 WiFi 6E
Biometrics: Fingerprint Reader
Ports: 3x USB-C USB4, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Investing in a Better Tech Future
Investing in a Better Tech Future
Framework is more than just a laptop manufacturer; they are pioneering a movement. With products like the upcoming Framework Laptop 12 and the established Laptop 13 and 16, they prove that high-performance, desirable electronics can also be repairable, upgradeable, and sustainable.
Choosing Framework is an investment not just in a great piece of hardware, but in a future where consumers have more control over their devices, where technology lasts longer, and where we collectively reduce our impact on the planet. At Duck Lifeline, we’re excited to see Framework grow and continue to challenge the status quo.
Compare:
Compare:
Framework Laptop 12
Framework Laptop 12
Starting at $549
Starting at $549
CPU:
Intel: 13th Generation i3-1315U or i5-1334U
Ryzen: -
Memory: Up to 48 GB DDR5-5200,
Connectivity: Intel AX211 Wi-Fi 6E,
Weight: 1.3kg, Dimensions: 18.45 x 287.00 x 213.88mm,
Biometrics: None,
Ports: 4x user-selectable Expansion Cards, 3.5mm combo headphone jack.
Framework Laptop 13
Framework Laptop 13
Starting at $899
Starting at $899
CPU:
Intel: 11th Gen, 12th Gen, 13th Gen, Core Ultra Series 1
Ryzen: 7040 Series, AI Max 300 Series,
Memory: Up to 96 GB DDR5-5600,
Connectivity: AMD RZ717 Wi-Fi 7,
Weight: 1.3kg, Dimensions: 15.85mm x 296.63mm x 228.98mm,
Biometrics: Fingerprint Reader,
Ports: 4x user-selectable Expansion Cards, 3.5mm combo headphone jack.
Framework Laptop 16
Framework Laptop 16
Starting at $1399
Starting at $1399
CPU:
Intel: -
Ryzen: 7040 Series,
Memory: Up to 96 GB DDR5,
Connectivity: AMD RZ616 Wi-Fi 6E,
Weight: 2.1kg, Dimensions: 17.95 x 356.58 x 270.00mm,
Biometrics: Fingerprint Reader,
Ports: 6x user-selectable Expansion Cards.
Framework Desktop
Framework Desktop
Starting at $1099
Starting at $1099
CPU: Ryzen AI Max 385, Ryzen AI Max+ 395,
Memory: Up to 128 GB integrated LPDDR5x @ 8000 MT/s,
Connectivity: AMD RZ717 Wi-Fi 7,
Weight: 3.1kg, Dimensions: 96.8 x 205.5 x 226.1mm,
Biometrics: Fingerprint Reader,
Customization: 2x User-selectable Expansion Cards USB 3.2 Gen 2, 21x user-selectable Tile System tiles.
An AI monster:
An AI monster:
The Desktop has a 5Gbit Ethernet and two USB4 ports allowing for the Desktop to be turned into an AI/ML cluster with insane capacity - up to 512 GB of RAM as seen below!
All mini-ITX, all the time:
All mini-ITX, all the time:
The Framework Desktop mainboard is a classic mini-ITX form factor and can be picked up individually allowing for customization unheard-of in the mini-pc space.
Disclaimers:
Disclaimers:
⚠️ DISCLAIMERS ⚠️
⚠️ DISCLAIMERS ⚠️
Important Note on Pricing: Please be aware that prices can fluctuate between the time we list them and when you click on our affiliate links. The price you see on the retailer's website (like Framework) at the time of your purchase will be the accurate one. Prices could be higher or, on a positive note, even lower than what's shown here!
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