Framework Laptop 12 review: fun, flexible and repairable | Laptops

The latest machine of the modular and repairable PC Maker frameworks moves into the notorious 2-in-1 category with a funny 12-inch laptop with a touchscreen and a 360-degree hinge.

The new machine still supports the company's innovative expansion cards in order to exchange the various ports in the side, which are suitable, among other things, with framework 13 with framework 13. And you can still open it to replace the memory, memory and internal components with some simple screws.

The frame 12 is either available in DIY form, from £ 499 (569 €/549 $/a $ 909) or more conventional prefabricated models from £ 749. It is under the £ 799 and up Laptop 13 and £ 1.399 Laptop 16 as the most compact and affordable model of the company.

If the laptop 13 is a first -class machine, the laptop 12 is unmistakably chunky and rough with overarching plastic parts for shock protection. It is designed in such a way that it fulfills the standard for the MILST 810 standard for robust electronics. It looks and feels like it could take a stroke, not like a thin DIY kit that you put together yourself.

The shiny 12.2 -inch screen is light and relatively sharp. But it is very reflective, has a large black frame around them and has a relatively narrow range of colors, which means that colors look a bit steamed. It is decent enough for productivity, but not good for photo editing. The touchscreen turns back to the bottom of the machine to turn it into a tablet, or it can be folded like a tent or parallel to the keyboard. The screen supports the use of a wide range of stylishes for first and third-party providers for drawing or notes that could make it practical in the classroom.

A selection of funny colors is available for the DIY version, which further improves the college appeal. The 1080p webcam at the top is decent, although it will not keep up with a surface and has a physical data protection switch next to the mics. The stereo speakers are loud and distortion -free, but bass and a little clarity are missing and sound a little hollow compared to the best on the market.

At 1.3 kg, the laptop 12 is not in the spring weight, but it is beautiful and compact to fit in pockets or on small desks. The spacious mechanical trackpad is precise and works well. However, the laptop lacks any form of biometry, without fingerprint or face recognition, and forces it to enter a PIN or a password every time you open the laptop or use safe apps such as password managers that get old quickly.

Specifications

• Screen: 12.2in LCD 1920×1200 (60 Hz; 186ppi)

• Processor: Intel Core i3 or i5 (U series, 13th gen)

• R.A.M: 8 or 16 GB (up to 48 GB)

• Storage: 512 GB (up to 2 TB)

• Operating system: Windows 11 or Linux

• Camera: 1080p front

• Connectivity: WiFi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, headphones + selection of 4 ports: USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, MicroSD, SD

• Dimensions: 287 x 213.9 x 18.5 mm

• Weight: 1.3 kg

Modular ports and performance

The laptop 12 has a selection of two U series processors in the 13-generation U series, which are subject to lower chips from a few years ago. As tested with the middle range i5-1334U, it will not win RAW performance awards, but will generally grown the task of more than basic computing. It feels on everyday tasks, but has a little to struggle in longer, processing -heavy jobs such as the conversion of videos.

The older chip means that the battery life is a little short for 2025 and takes light work with browsers, text processors, notes apps and emails for about seven to eight hours. Use more demanding apps and the battery life shrinks by a few hours. The battery takes about 100 minutes to fully charge with a USB-C power supply with 60 W or more.

The port selection can be fully customizable with a fixed headphone socket and four slots for expansion cards. who are available In a selection of USB-A and USB-C, DisplayPort and HDMI, MicroSD and SD card readers or Ethernet. Other cards can add up to 1 TB memory and the USB-C cards are available in a number of solid or translucent colors to make things even brighter. It is an excellent system, but note that the laptop 12 only supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, not the faster USB4/Thunderbolt aid on new machines.

sustainability

The frame evaluates the battery in order to maintain at least 80% of its original capacity for at least 1,000 full charging cycles. It can easy to replace Together with all Rest of the componentsincluding RAM and SSD.

Framework sells spare parts and upgrades Through its marketplace But also supports parts of third -party providers. The laptop contains recycled plastic in many components.

Price

The DIY edition of the Framework 12 begins £ 499 (€ 569/ €/$ 549/A 909 $) with prefabricated systems starting at £ 749 (€ 849/ €/$ 799/A $ 1,369) with Windows 11.

For comparison: The DIY frame 13 costs 13 of costs £ 799 and the DIY frame 16 costs £ 1.399 . Similarly, 2-in-1 Windows machines start at around 500 GBP.

Verdict

As with earlier frame machines, the laptop 12 shows that repairable, upgrade and customizable computers are possible, function well and can be used by more than just the technical mind. It manages to be fun in a way that most PCs are simply not.

The keyboard is solid, the trackpad is good and the speakers loud. The modular ports are a killer function that should hug each PC while it is simply so unusual to repair or update them. The touchscreen is bright but inconspicuous, the lack of any biometry is irritating, and the older processor is properly fast for everyday tasks, but means that the battery life is not long after modern standards.

The biggest problem is the cost because it is about £ 150 to 200 pounds more expensive than similar, but closed and blocked machines. Unless you have already lying around replacement memory and RAM, this is the price you have to pay for the open and modular machine.

Professionals: SWAPPABLATIONS, repairable and upgrade, entertaining and durable, compact, many color selection, solid keyboard and trackpad, solid performance for everyday tasks.

Disadvantages: The screen is bright, but a little lackluster, no biometrics, expensive, older processor and waiting time for purchases.