Framework 12 Chromebook

Framework Laptop 12
1

I want to see a Chromebook version of the Framework 12.

Reason 1: Touchscreen. A core aspect of the ChromeOS is native Android emulation, and the simple UI, somewhat optimized for touch. Framework 13 doesn’t have that option, but Framework 12 do.

2. Price. 12 is cheaper than 13. It’s more easily justifiable. It’s also got less expandability, though it has expandability. This make it more a “sidekick” machine rather than a “main line” machine like the 13 or the 16.

3. Low-power. Chrome OS is low power. So is Linux, if one choose to convert one to CoreBoot.

Comparison:

I have a Samsung .. XE520QAB. It’s a 11 inch 2-in-1 chromebook. It has non-upgradeable Storage (a measly 32GB of eMMC), non-upgradeable RAM (of 4GB soldered), and generally low durability The lower bezel after a somewhat insignificant impact has a dent and a crack. The battery is also very weak. The chip, some Intel 8th gen Celeron, passively cooled, isnt able to run android simulation at sufficient performance.

However. Framework 12 have upgradeable storage. Upgradeable RAM, (supposed) high durability, decent battery, and a extremely fast chip (compared to Celeron). A “tablet destroyer”, if you will. And it doesnt lose out on the touchscreen or any of the other features.

2

Framework had a chromebook version of the 13 but it didnt really sell so they dropped it.

2 Likes
3

I’m sure you can run Linux with Chrome and an Android emulator without much trouble.

4

Just use a Linux distribution with good waydroid support. Will probably be even better than ChromeOS.

5

Waydroid doesnt support Play Services.
Even if you ignore that, half of the android app does not work. Granted, most of the android apps I want to run is beyond ancient (Compiled for Android 2?)

That’s the more egregious one. more recent ones (tested on the Google Android SDK VM) also doesn’t work

I can try “Android x86”, but I dont remember playing around with it too much beyond “oh it turns on”

6

Are you sure? You can install waydroid with Gapps support t and you can verify your devices manually: Google Play Certification | Waydroid

You can also get arm emulation working for apps that need it.

1 Like
7

I tried MonsterCrafter, and it just .. doesn’t work. The window does not show up. Or Scrap Tank. Things wont even launch.
Though I am on Ubuntu 2404

On the chromebook, it just worked perfectly, though the 8th gen Celeron is struggling with framerate.
I also highly doubt that miltu-touch also won’t work.