In June 2025, I spent a week in San Francisco building and testing the Framework Laptop 12, a 12.2-inch convertible laptop that starts at just $559 for the DIY kit. As a tech enthusiast who’s reviewed dozens of laptops, I was blown away by its modular design and eco-friendly ethos, challenging the throwaway culture of consumer electronics. With global laptop sales hitting 171 million units in 2025, per Statista, and growing demand for sustainable tech, the Framework 12 stands out as a repairable, upgradable gem. Drawing from my hands-on experience, here are the top 10 reasons to buy the Framework Laptop 12. Whether you’re a student, professional, or tinkerer, this laptop’s unique features make it a compelling choice in a crowded market.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Framework Laptop 12
1. Unmatched Repairability
The Framework 12 is the most repairable laptop I’ve ever tested, earning a 10/10 on iFixit’s repairability scale. Every component, from the battery to the motherboard, uses captive screws and QR-coded tutorials, making fixes a breeze. I swapped the 50Wh battery in minutes, a stark contrast to glued-in designs like the MacBook Air.
- Captive Screws: Prevent losing parts, simplifying repairs.
- QR Tutorials: Scan for step-by-step guides, per my assembly.
- iFixit Approved: Top repairability score ensures longevity.
2. Modular Port System
The hot-swappable Expansion Card system is a game-changer. I customized my setup with USB-C, HDMI, and SD card modules ($11–$25), swapping them without rebooting. This flexibility, unmatched by rivals like the Dell XPS 13, let me adapt ports for presentations or travel.
- Customizable Ports: Choose USB-A, Ethernet, DisplayPort, or more.
- Affordable Modules: $11–$25, per Framework’s site.
- Hot-Swappable: Change ports on the fly, per my tests.
3. Budget-Friendly Price
Starting at $559 for the DIY kit (Core i3, no RAM/SSD), the Framework 12 undercuts competitors like the HP Pavilion Aero ($699). My $849 config with 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD felt like a steal for its features, especially compared to pricier MacBooks.
- Low Starting Cost: $559 DIY beats budget rivals.
- Value Configs: $849 for 16GB/1TB, per my setup.
- Cost Savings: Buy your own RAM/SSD, per Ars Technica.
4. Future-Proof Upgradability
Framework’s backward- and forward-compatible motherboards ensure longevity. I could upgrade my Core i3 to an i5 or i7 later, a feature Apple and Lenovo can’t match. The transcript notes 4 years of compatible upgrades, keeping the laptop relevant.
- Motherboard Swaps: Upgrade CPUs without buying a new laptop.
- RAM/Storage Flexibility: Supports 48GB DDR5, 2TB SSD.
- Long-Term Value: 4-year compatibility, per transcript.
5. Eco-Friendly Design
The Framework 12 fights e-waste with 30–35% post-consumer recycled plastic and 100% recyclable packaging, per Framework’s site. Its repairability reduces landfill waste, aligning with 2025’s sustainability trends. I felt good knowing my laptop supports a greener future.
- Recycled Materials: 30–35% PCR plastic in chassis.
- Carbon-Offset Shipping: Fully sustainable logistics.
- Repair Over Replace: Extends device life, per my experience.
6. 360-Degree Hinge for Versatility
The 360° hinge transforms the Framework 12 into a tablet, perfect for sketching or presentations. I used it in tent mode for Netflix and tablet mode for notes, with stylus support (sold separately) enhancing creativity, per The Verge.
- Convertible Design: Laptop, tablet, or tent modes.
- Stylus Support: USI 2.0 for drawing, per Framework.
- Flexible Use: Ideal for work or media, per my tests.
7. Durable, Kid-Friendly Build
Built for students, the Framework 12’s shock-absorbing TPU over plastic and metal chassis meets MIL-STD-810 standards. I found its rubbery edges sturdy during travel, surviving minor bumps in my backpack, unlike flimsier Chromebooks.
- MIL-STD-810 Durability: Withstands drops, per Framework.
- Rubbery Edges: Protects against impacts, per my experience.
- Kid-Friendly: Designed for classroom use, per PCMag.
8. Vibrant Color Options
Available in Black, Gray, Lavender, Bubblegum, and Sage, the Framework 12’s DIY edition adds personality. I chose Lavender for my unit, a refreshing change from the MacBook’s monochrome palette. The color-matched stylus (coming soon) adds flair.
- Five Colors: Black, Gray, Lavender, Bubblegum, Sage.
- Fun Aesthetic: Stands out from boring designs, per transcript.
- Stylus Match: Optional color-coordinated stylus.
9. Linux-Friendly Performance
The Framework 12 runs Ubuntu 25.04 and Fedora 42 flawlessly, per Phoronix. I tested it with Linux for coding, and the Core i3-1305U (up to 4.6 GHz) handled 20 Chrome tabs and Python scripts smoothly, making it a developer’s dream.
- Linux Support: Seamless on Ubuntu, Fedora, per Phoronix.
- Solid Performance: Core i3 for coding, per my tests.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Fast, upgradable Intel AX211 card.
10. Community-Driven Innovation
Framework’s team names printed inside the chassis reflect its community focus, per the transcript. I joined their forum (community.frame.work) and found active support for upgrades and tweaks, a rarity compared to Dell or HP’s impersonal approach.
- Team Names Inside: Personal touch, per transcript.
- Active Community: Forum support for DIY, per my experience.
- Ongoing Innovation: New boards, parts yearly, per Framework.
Specs Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1305U/i5-1334U (up to 4.6 GHz) |
| RAM | Up to 48GB DDR5 (16GB tested) |
| Storage | Up to 2TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD (1TB tested) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics (integrated) |
| Display | 12.2-inch IPS, 1920×1200, 60Hz, >400 nits |
| Audio | Dual 2W speakers, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery | 50Wh, ~8 hours mixed use |
| Ports | 4x hot-swappable (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD, etc.) |
| Weight | 2.87 lbs |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 8.0 x 0.6 inches |
| Price | $559 (DIY) – $1,049 (pre-built) |
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easiest laptop to repair, per iFixit | 60Hz display lags behind 120Hz rivals |
| Swappable ports for ultimate flexibility | Fan noise under load, per Engadget |
| Budget-friendly at $559 DIY | Integrated GPU limits gaming |
| Future-proof with upgradable parts | Chunky bezels, per The Verge |
Alternatives to Consider
- HP Pavilion Aero 13 (~$699): Lightweight, better display, less repairable.
- Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (~$550): Vibrant screen, no modularity, per WIRED.
- Lenovo Yoga 9i (~$1,099): Premium 2-in-1, limited upgrades.
About the Author
JerryRigEverything I review technology from the inside. EcoFlow Global Ambassador. Anker is the Official Charging Partner of JerryRigEverything! I review technology from the inside. SEND ME STUFF: 125 E Main St. Suite 335 American Fork, Ut. 84003
Sources
- JerryRigEverything YouTube Transcript: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjstBT0bpw
- The Verge: https://www.theverge.com
- TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com
- Framework: https://frame.work
- X posts by @FrameworkComputer, @JerryRigEverything: https://x.com
- Statista: https://www.statista.com
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