I am a Framework Laptop 12 Batch 1 gray user. I am using the Framework Laptop 12 as my primary daily driver now. I gave my old Framework Laptop 13, 11th Gen Intel Core Batch 2, to a person yesterday.
My experience with Laptop 12 is much better than Laptop 13, 11th Gen Intel Core. ![]()
I installed Fedora Workstation 42 with the desktop environment GNOME first on the Laptop 12. Then I installed Sway window manager manually later.
Display
I am comfortable using the 12.2-inch display because I am using a tiling window manager, Sway, as my primary desktop environment. I am very happy with such a small display. But maybe I am still comfortable with a smaller 11-inch display, too.
Touchpad
When I was using the Laptop 13, I needed to press the touchpad strongly to click the touchpad. Perhaps, the touchpad on the Laptop 13 was broken. But I can click the touchpad on the Laptop 12 by pressing the touchpad lightly. Great experience!
Keyboard
I feel the Laptop 12’s keyboard is smaller than the Laptop 13’s keyboard. I would prefer the layout of the Laptop 12 more than the Laptop 13’s keyboard.
Speaker
My left speaker doesn’t work. My right speaker works. I am communicating with the Framework customer support. I need to try some steps to identify if the issue comes from the speaker hardware. Perhaps, the speaker’s cables may not be connected well.
Fan
The fan of the Laptop 12 is quieter than the Laptop 13, 11th Gen Intel Core. I like it.
Battery life
I am bringing an external charger, Omni 20+ 220v, that is like this. I am not sure if the battery life is enough without using the charger.
Tablet mode
The tablet mode works great on GNOME with features such as auto-rotation and a virtual keyboard.
I am playing and learning with an Android emulator, Waydroid. The ArchWiki’s Waydroid page helped me to learn it.
I want to run the Kindle app on Waydroid to read e-books on Kindle. So far, I haven’t found the way to install the Kindle app. See my attached screenshots where the Kindle app is not available to install.
I am trying to use a tiling window manager, Sway, or another tiling manager in tablet mode. I installed a virtual keyboard wvkbd. Then I need to set up the auto-rotation, and may add some buttons on Waybar.
4 USB-C expansion cards
I am using 4 USB-C expansion cards as my default setting. Conveniently, I can use any 4 expansion cards to connect to the charging USB-C cable. This is a great experience!
Additional items
I ordered Dbrand’s Laptop 12 skin, ALPINE, ViaScreens Paper Screen Protector, and a stylus pen, Lenovo Precision Pen 2, Part number: 4X81H95637.
Screenshots
alacritty, cmatrix, imv, waydroid, firefox on Sway.
alacritty, fastfetch, waydroid, firefox, wvkbd on Sway.
Framework Laptop 12 config files
I am sharing Framework Laptop 12 and 13’s config files below. Note, I haven’t used some of the config files in the repository anymore.

