Framework Laptop computer 12 overview: Construct your individual 2-in-1

The Framework Laptop computer 12 is one thing of a uncommon breed: a compact 2-in-1 convertible that you simply don’t simply use, you construct. It brings Framework’s imaginative and prescient of a do-it-yourself laptop computer expertise to a machine that’s each cheaper and extra versatile than Framework’s different laptops — actually, because of its 360-degree hinge, touchscreen, and stylus. Framework initially designed this laptop computer with college students in thoughts, however the firm says, “each grownup who tried it wished one too” through the prototyping course of.

As Framework’s first 2-in-1 machine, the Framework Laptop computer 12 is basically a hit! Like all of Framework’s laptops, you might pay extra for the sort of do-it-yourself expertise. However should you’re the type of one who likes to construct and customise your individual PC, Framework is massively attention-grabbing within the laptop computer house.

Framework Laptop computer 12: Specs

The Framework Laptop computer 12 is on the market in two completely different editions: A pre-built version that comes prepared to make use of with Home windows put in and a DIY Version that permits you to construct the machine your self.

Framework loaned us a DIY Version for this overview, and I put it collectively myself. It’s an extremely easy course of that simply takes a couple of minutes. Putting in Home windows (and the drivers the machine requires) takes longer than constructing this laptop computer. Assembling the {hardware} is the straightforward half!

The Framework Laptop computer 12 has a wide range of completely different {hardware} configurations. The DIY Version begins at $549, however you’ll have to deliver your individual storage, RAM, energy adapter, and working system — and the ports are further, too. Nonetheless, you could possibly get the bottom {hardware} with 4 USB ports for $593 and convey the whole lot else your self. The pre-assembled machine comes with Home windows already put in and prices $799, which isn’t fairly a “budget-priced” 2-in-1 however is arguably on the decrease finish of a mid-range one.

It’s additionally price noting that the bottom mannequin comes with an Intel Core i3-1315U processor with a complete of six cores — two efficiency cores and 4 effectivity cores. A step as much as an Intel Core i5-1334U processor with a complete of ten cores — two efficiency cores and eight effectivity cores — prices one other $150. Each are based mostly on Intel’s Thirteenth-generation Raptor Lake structure, which suggests they don’t have neural processing items for AI duties or the type of battery life enhancements we noticed in Intel’s Lunar Lake and even Meteor Lake chips.

• CPU: Intel Core i5-1334U
• Reminiscence: 16GB DDR5 RAM
• Graphics/GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
• NPU: None
• Show: 12.2-inch 1920×1200 IPS show with 60Hz refresh charge, contact display screen, and stylus assist
• Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD
• Webcam: 1080p 2MP digital camera
• Connectivity: As much as 4 swappable ports of your alternative – USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), USB-A, HDMI 2.0b, Ethernet, DisplayPort, microSD reader, and SD card reader
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capability: 50 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 11.29 x 8.42 x 0.72 inches
• Weight: 2.86 kilos
• MSRP: $1,176 as examined

Framework Laptop computer 12: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Framework gives the Framework Laptop computer 12 in a wide range of two-tone coloration schemes: Black, Grey, Lavender, Bubblegum, and Sage. Our overview unit got here within the two-tone Grey coloration, however the colourful variants look significantly putting.

True to Framework’s DIY ethos, the Laptop computer 12 is simple to construct and reveals strong construct high quality. You carry the display screen up such as you’re opening a standard laptop computer and uncover a plastic tray the place the keyboard can be, with the laptop computer’s internals proper under it. You’ll simply take away the piece of plastic and insert the storage and RAM. There aren’t any screws to take care of on the within. The storage and RAM simply snap into place. You then place the keyboard tray into place, the place it snaps in magnetically.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Lastly, it’s only a matter of closing the laptop computer, flipping it over, and tightening a number of screws on the underside with an included screwdriver. The ports themselves are simple to put in and swap as wanted — they’re little blocks that plug proper into USB-C ports set into the underside of the laptop computer.

Meeting was simpler than with the final Framework laptop computer I put collectively: There was no fiddly cable connection of the touchpad to the motherboard, for instance, as on the Framework Laptop computer 13 I reviewed in 2024. It’s only a fast magnetic snap into place after which tightening a number of screws. And opening the laptop computer up is simply as simple — whether or not you’re beginning with a DIY version or getting a prebuild version.

The burden of the laptop computer implies that I can’t fairly open the lid of the laptop computer with a single hand, however the 360-degree hinge feels nice in any other case. The selection of the fabric on this laptop computer may be very uncommon for a laptop computer: Framework calls it a “chassis manufactured from overmolded shock-absorbing TPU over plastic with an internal steel construction.” Relatively than clean plastic or steel, like many laptops, the chassis and keyboard tray have extra of a matte plastic really feel. Framework says it’s laborious to interrupt, however I didn’t topic it to any drop assessments through the overview course of! It does appear to choose up fingerprints fairly a bit, as you’ll be able to see in among the images I took.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Whereas this can be a DIY build-and-customize-your-own-laptop expertise, as soon as the keyboard is popped on magnetically and the screws are tightened, the whole lot seems like a standard laptop computer. Even the ports have locking switches in order that they received’t come out. At 2.86 kilos, it’s not unusually heavy for a 2-in-1 machine, though it might be a tad on the heavier aspect.

Framework Laptop computer 12: Keyboard, trackpad, and stylus

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Framework Laptop computer 12’s full-size keyboard feels fairly good. With 1.5mm of key journey, the motion feels responsive. It’s a strong chiclet-style laptop computer keyboard with good suggestions. I might kind shortly on it, and it’s additionally pleasantly quiet — a bonus for classroom or library environments.

Sadly, the keyboard has no backlight. That is, in fact, a particularly useful function in darkish or dim lighting. Should you can reliably contact kind or simply plan on utilizing the laptop computer in good lighting, it’s not a priority. You’ll should resolve whether or not you want a laptop computer with a backlit keyboard, however I’d’ve favored to see one — not less than as an possibility.

Should you’re a Linux consumer, you’ll recognize that the “Home windows key” on the keyboard doesn’t have a Home windows emblem. It capabilities as a Home windows key in Home windows, however it has the Framework gear emblem on it. Additionally, in contrast to most trendy PC laptops, there’s no Copilot key on the keyboard right here.

The trackpad additionally feels good and clean, and the press motion feels strong. I like that the press is somewhat quiet — many laptops have loud, clicky sounds, whereas this seems like one thing you could possibly use in a classroom or library with out bothering different folks.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Framework didn’t have the swanky Framework Laptop computer 12 Stylus prepared for us at overview time — Framework says they’ll launch it later in 2025 — however they did present a MPP 2.0-compatible stylus to check the system out. Each the stylus enter and the contact display screen labored nicely.

Framework Laptop computer 12: Show and audio system

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Framework Laptop computer 12 has a 12.2-inch 1920×1200 IPS show. Its 60Hz refresh charge could possibly be larger for a smoother image, however it’s brighter than the typical finances laptop computer show with over 400 nits of brightness.

The show appears good and sharp — that’s a strong decision for a 12.2-inch show, and it’s extra brightness than a finances laptop computer’s show would provide. Nonetheless, this being a 2-in-1 laptop computer with a contact display screen and stylus assist, the floor of the display screen is somewhat shiny. That’s a given, and the cheap quantity of brightness helps. Nonetheless, shiny shows produce extra reflections in direct daylight and different vibrant areas, so a shiny show isn’t the suitable match for everybody.

The Framework 12’s audio system are respectable. They’re nowhere close to as loud as another laptop computer audio system I’ve used, nonetheless. Enjoying Steely Dan’s Aja on Spotify, the audio was clear and clear, however didn’t have the type of crisp and vibrant instrument separation you hear on a higher-end pair of headphones. Enjoying Daft Punk’s Get Fortunate to check one thing trendy with extra bass, the audio was clear, and there was no distortion, however there wasn’t quite a lot of bass — and the audio wasn’t fairly as punchy because it is perhaps on a laptop computer with higher-end audio system. These are tremendous audio system with no issues, however you’ll desire a good pair of headphones for the most effective music or video-streaming expertise.

Framework Laptop computer 12: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Framework Laptop computer 12 has a 1080p 2MP webcam. On paper, that’s tremendous however not significantly particular — though it’s a reduction to see that this machine has a 1080p webcam as a substitute of a 720p webcam! In the actual world, although, the Framework Laptop computer 12’s webcam appears fairly good — that is greater than ok for video conferences, and it’s a strong entry for the laptop computer’s value vary.

The microphone was slightly quiet out of the field — in different phrases, after putting in Home windows 11 after which putting in Framework’s driver package deal myself — however tweaking the settings within the Realtek Audio Console software improved issues. It did a superb job of canceling background noise and the audio high quality was tremendous.

The Framework Laptop computer 12 is a uncommon beast: Above its webcam, you’ll discover not only a bodily webcam shutter swap but in addition a bodily microphone shutter swap. A bodily swap to disconnect the microphone is a vital safety function, however it’s extraordinarily uncommon. Now this can be a machine designed with privateness controls in thoughts.

Sadly, there aren’t any biometrics for Home windows Hiya right here: You received’t discover a fingerprint reader or an IR digital camera for facial recognition.

Framework Laptop computer 12: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Framework Laptop computer 12 shines with regards to connectivity — largely. The bottom laptop computer has a combo audio jack on the left aspect, and that’s it for the bottom mannequin. Then, there are 4 locations to plug in “ports,” which you should buy from Framework and swap on the fly. That permits you to select which ports you need: USB Sort-C, USB Sort-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, microSD card, or SD card. You too can purchase “ports” which have storage inside them to increase the laptop computer’s storage.

The machine costs by way of USB-C, so not less than a type of ports should be USB Sort-C so that you could plug in a charger. However you’ll be able to put the USB-C port on both aspect of the laptop computer — or on each side.

That stated, there’s a limitation below the hood. Functionally talking, all of these “ports” are blocks that plug right into a USB Sort-C port — it’s all USB-C below the hood. These ports are all USB 3.2 Gen 2 below the hood, so there’s no quicker USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and even HDMI 2.1 right here — simply HDMI 2.0b. There’s a superb probability that’s tremendous — simply bear in mind.

This machine additionally helps Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Wi-Fi labored nicely, however it could’ve been good to see Wi-Fi 7, in fact. Framework is utilizing previous-generation Intel “Raptor Lake” {hardware} right here, and Wi-Fi 7 doesn’t come normal with this Intel {hardware}.

Framework Laptop computer 12: Efficiency

The Framework Laptop computer 12 can run both Home windows or Linux. I put in Home windows 11 House on this machine myself to benchmark its efficiency with our normal suite of Home windows benchmarking instruments.

Framework says this machine was designed “to be unusually highly effective for its class,” which is why it has a full Core i3 or Core i5 processor somewhat than a less-expensive, mobile-focused model. In day-to-day desktop use, the Intel Core i5-1334U CPU on this machine dealt with internet searching in purposes like Google Chrome, conversations in office instruments like Slack, and producing content material like this very overview in Microsoft Phrase. The laptop computer’s keyboard stayed cool and comfy even when the fan was whirring away and expelling warmth from the again of the machine. Nonetheless, the underside might get pretty scorching below load — that’s the older Raptor Lake {hardware} in motion.

As at all times, although we ran the Framework Laptop computer 12 by way of our normal benchmarks to see the way it performs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an concept of total system efficiency.  The Framework Laptop computer 12 delivered an total rating of 5288 on this benchmark — that’s on the low aspect in comparison with different trendy laptops, which isn’t a shock as this can be a previous-generation chip.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run Cinebench R20. It is a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on total CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling below prolonged workloads isn’t an element. The Intel Core i5-1334U on this machine has fewer cores than the CPUs within the different trendy PCs we in contrast it to, so it’s no shock that the multithreaded rating of 2106 is on the low aspect.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. That is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, however it runs over an prolonged interval. The Framework Laptop computer 12 accomplished the encode course of in 2648 seconds, which is simply over 44 minutes. That’s a very long time, and it confirms that this machine isn’t a pace demon — particularly at duties that profit from quite a lot of multithreaded CPU efficiency.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run a graphical benchmark. This isn’t a gaming laptop computer, however it’s nonetheless price evaluating GPU efficiency. We run 3DMark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency.

The Framework Laptop computer 12 produced a rating of 1255 in 3DMark Time Spy. That’s very low in comparison with different trendy laptops, which isn’t any shock — the Intel UHD Graphics listed below are a part of the previous-generation Raptor Lake package deal right here, and built-in GPUs have improved dramatically since then.

Total, the Framework Laptop computer 12’s benchmark scores didn’t impress in comparison with different current laptops with extra trendy CPUs. It was nonetheless lots able to producing solid-day-to-day productiveness efficiency, however it would significantly battle with regards to CPU-heavy multithreaded workloads and 3D graphics. Clearly, that’s not what this machine is for — however it’d be good to have higher efficiency, particularly for 3D graphics, with a laptop computer designed for college students.

Framework Laptop computer 12: Battery life

The Framework Laptop computer 12 has a 50 Watt-hour battery, which is on the small finish for a machine like this one. Moreover, the selection of an Intel Core i3 or Core i5 CPU from the older 13^th era (“Raptor Lake”) retains the worth down and delivers respectable efficiency, however it suggests this machine might be extra power-hungry and get decrease battery life than a more moderen machine with Intel’s Lunar Lake {hardware} — which is, in fact, way more costly.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Metal on repeat on Home windows 11 with airplane mode enabled — and the display screen set to 250 nits of brightness — till the laptop computer suspends itself. It is a best-case state of affairs for any laptop computer since native video playback is so environment friendly, and actual battery life in day-to-day use is at all times going to be lower than this.

The Framework Laptop computer 12 lasted for a median of 688 minutes — that’s almost eleven and a half hours — in our normal benchmark. Whereas that sounds spectacular, real-world battery life will at all times be lower than this, and it’s a low quantity in comparison with laptops with extra trendy power-efficient CPUs. CPU producers have made quite a lot of progress since Intel first launched Raptor Lake in 2022!

For my workload — Google Chrome, Slack, Microsoft Phrase, OneNote, and comparable apps — I obtained about 5 hours earlier than I needed to plug within the machine. That’s serviceable, however it’s nonetheless far under what a machine with Intel Lunar Lake or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus would ship. A bigger battery would make this much less of a difficulty.

Framework Laptop computer 12: Conclusion

The Framework Laptop computer 12 is a tough laptop computer to attain. If you’d like a modular, repairable, customizable 2-in-1 laptop computer, there’s no different machine like this available on the market. That is your dream machine. You’ll discover 2-in-1s with extra battery life and efficiency, however you received’t discover any you’ll be able to crack open and make your individual like this.

Alternatively, when evaluating this to different 2-in-1 machines, if repairability and customization aren’t priorities, this machine is a harder promote, particularly over one thing with a more moderen CPU and quicker 3D graphics efficiency.

For a number of hundred bucks extra, for instance, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version delivers a lot improved battery life, CPU efficiency, and GPU efficiency — alongside an NPU for AI duties — and the principle sacrifice is Framework’s repairability and customizability.

Framework’s laptops are wonderful. I like that they exist! If it had a barely newer CPU, it’d be a slam-dunk. Because it stands, it’s a wonderful (although area of interest) alternative for tinkerers and college students who worth flexibility over uncooked efficiency.