Framework's New Laptop Challenges Budget PC Norms
Utrecht, Friday, 28 February 2025.
Framework Laptop 12 offers a repairable and upgradeable design, aiming to transform budget laptops into sustainable, versatile tools, potentially redefining consumer expectations globally.
Revolutionizing Budget Computing
Framework, a company known for its repairable electronics, unveiled its groundbreaking Framework Laptop 12 on February 24, 2025, in San Francisco [1]. Framework CEO Nirav Patel emphasized that this device represents the company’s core mission, stating, ‘We build products to fix what we see as a broken industry, and few categories are as emblematic of the problems with consumer electronics as entry-level laptops’ [2]. The announcement marks a significant shift in the budget laptop segment, traditionally dominated by what Patel describes as ‘janky, locked-down, disposable, underpowered, and frankly, boring machines’ [3].
Technical Innovation Meets Sustainability
The Framework Laptop 12 incorporates impressive technical specifications that challenge conventional budget laptop limitations. The device features a 12.2-inch touchscreen display with 1920x1200 resolution and over 400 nits of brightness [1][2]. Powered by 13th Gen Intel Core processors in i3 and i5 variants, the laptop supports up to 48GB of DDR5-5200 memory and 2TB of NVMe storage [3]. The device also includes Wi-Fi 6E capability and four customizable Expansion Card slots for ports [1].
Durability and Repairability Focus
Framework has prioritized durability in the Laptop 12’s design, incorporating shock-absorbing TPU overmolded onto rigid PC/ABS plastic with an internal metal structure [3]. The company claims this model will be their easiest product to repair, building upon lessons learned from their previous Framework Laptop 13 and 16 models [3]. The device will be available in five bold colorways, each offering an optional color-matched stylus, demonstrating Framework’s commitment to both functionality and aesthetics [2].
Market Positioning and Availability
While specific pricing details remain undisclosed, Framework has confirmed the Laptop 12 will be positioned at a lower price point than their Laptop 13, which currently starts at approximately $750 for DIY models [1]. The company will begin accepting pre-orders in April 2025, with shipments scheduled for mid-2025 [1][3]. Framework’s market positioning suggests a strategic move to challenge both traditional budget laptops and premium devices like the $629 M1 MacBook Air [4], while offering unique advantages in repairability and upgradeability.