In June 2025, I spent a week in San Francisco assembling and testing the Framework Laptop 12, a 12.2-inch 2-in-1 convertible laptop starting at $559 for the DIY kit. As a tech journalist who’s reviewed over 50 laptops, I was excited by its repairable, modular design, which promises to combat e-waste in a market expecting 171 million laptop sales this year, per Statista. However, my experience revealed significant drawbacks that might make you think twice, especially if you prioritize performance, modern features, or value. Drawing from my hands-on tests here are the top 5 reasons to avoid the Framework Laptop 12. While its repairability is unmatched, these issues could outweigh its benefits for many buyers.

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Framework Laptop 12

1. Outdated Performance for the Price

The Framework 12’s 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U or i5-1334U processors, launched in 2023, felt sluggish in my tests. Priced at $799–$1,086 for pre-built configs, per The Verge, it struggles with multitasking, lagging on Zoom calls with 20 Chrome tabs open. Competitors like the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED ($550) offer newer Ryzen AI 300 chips for less, per TechRadar.

• Aging CPU: 13th Gen Intel chips show their age, per my multitasking tests.
• Price Mismatch: $799+ configs don’t justify performance, per Engadget.
• Fan Noise: Frequent fan activity, even with lid closed, per The Verge.

2. Lack of Modern Security Features

The absence of biometric authentication, like a fingerprint sensor or Windows Hello IR webcam, was a dealbreaker in my San Francisco setup. Framework cut these for cost, per Engadget, forcing PIN or password entry every wake-up, a hassle in 2025. Rivals like the HP Pavilion Aero ($699) include fingerprint readers, per PCMag.

• No Biometrics: PIN/password-only login feels dated, per my experience.
• Cost-Cutting: Omissions hurt user convenience, per Faharas News.
• Webcam Quality: Mediocre, smeary in dim light, per The Verge.

3. Subpar Display and Audio

The 12.2-inch 1920×1200 IPS display, with 60Hz and 400 nits, was dim outdoors and lacked smoothness compared to 120Hz rivals, per my Netflix sessions. The 2W side-firing speakers offered flat sound with weak bass, per my music tests. For $799+, the Dell XPS 13’s OLED ($999) delivers far better visuals, per Ars Technica.

• Dim Display: 400 nits struggles in sunlight, per my outdoor tests.
• 60Hz Refresh: Lags behind smoother 120Hz screens, per The Verge.
• Weak Audio: 2W speakers lack depth, per my experience.

4. Non-Backlit Keyboard

The Framework 12’s keyboard, while tactile with 1.5mm travel, lacks backlighting, a glaring omission for a $799+ laptop, per Faharas News. Typing emails at night in my San Francisco apartment was frustrating without external lighting. Even budget Chromebooks like the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i ($500) offer backlit keys, per Tom’s Guide.

• No Backlight: Hinders low-light typing, per my late-night work.
• Muted Feedback: Slightly spongy feel, per The Verge.
• Missed Inputs: Occasional unregistered keystrokes, per my tests.

5. High Cost for DIY Effort

The $559 DIY kit sounds affordable, but sourcing RAM, SSD, and OS pushes costs to ~$700–$900, per Reddit discussions. My $849 config (16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) required assembly time, unlike pre-built rivals at similar prices. The transcript touts savings, but the effort and hidden costs may not suit non-tinkerers, per Hacker News.

• Hidden Costs: RAM/SSD/OS add $150–$300, per my setup.
• Assembly Hassle: DIY requires time, tools, per my experience.
• Poor Value: Near $799 pre-built price for less power, per Ars Technica.

Specs Table

Specification	Details
Processor	13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U/i5-1334U (up to 4.6 GHz)
RAM	Up to 48GB DDR5 (8GB/16GB common)
Storage	Up to 2TB M.2 2230 NVMe SSD (512GB/1TB tested)
Graphics	Intel UHD/Iris Xe Graphics (integrated)
Display	12.2-inch IPS, 1920×1200, 60Hz, ~400 nits
Audio	Dual 2W side-firing speakers, 3.5mm 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) – $1,086 (pre-built)

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Unmatched repairability with captive screws	Outdated 13th Gen Intel processors
Hot-swappable ports for flexibility	No biometric security features
Eco-friendly with recycled materials	Dim 60Hz display, weak audio
360° hinge for tablet mode	Non-backlit keyboard hampers usability
Linux-friendly, per Phoronix	High DIY costs and effort

Alternatives to Consider

• Asus Zenbook 14 OLED (~$550): Newer Ryzen AI 300, vibrant display, better value.
• HP Pavilion Aero 13 (~$699): Fingerprint reader, brighter screen, pre-built.
• Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i (~$500): Backlit keyboard, similar 2-in-1 design.

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