FW12 A Product Discussion

Framework Laptop 12
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Hello Framework Community,

I have been mulling this post over for a while and well, after reading a bunch of threads around the Framework 12 I thought it would make sense to open a discussion thread specifically with a claim that keeps being brought up in the discussion around the FW12: It’s a budget device.

But it is not, and this claim results in a lot of the issues found with the device just being hand waved as “Well it’s a budget device for students, what do you expect.” And I feel this is an unfair and unhelpful assessment of the situation.

First let’s look at how the device is postured and advertised on Frameworks Marketplace.

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It does not at any point on its page describe itself as a budget option. Its main three highlights it leans into is its 360 hinged display with touchscreen, its performance for its size, and that it’s “ultra” durable.

So based on this we are supposed to take this as a full fledged product and a unique one at that from Framework. You would expect this unique device that advertises these features to do them well. But let’s go over them one at a time and look at how these points hold up.

  1. Super Flexible Computer:
    I feel this does exactly as advertised. It’s a 2 in 1 with no real focus on how it should be used. However, because of this people have noted while the stylus support is well executed and the form factor works well, it’s so inaccurate that using it for meaningful color work is difficult.

  2. Unusually Capable:
    While I do not find this machine to be a slouch and very few users are complaining about its performance, it’s hard to ignore the large outcry about the lack luster battery life and lack of common comfort of life features. This is particularly rough with the launch of the Mac Book Neo.

  3. Ultra durable:
    While it claims its “Shock-absorbing chassis meets MIL-STD-810 durability standards,” that standard is very broad and sweeping which covers things like immersion and pyroshock ( I do think the testing and results for this needs to be more transparent). But none of that maters when the device itself is known for an unresolved issue with the chassis randomly cracking at screw/ tension points.

All of this for a base price of $799. Which honestly could be fine. If this device was similar to the rest of the Framework line-up and had a plethora of upgrade options to customize the device to your needs it would be perfect. But currently the options you can choose between are 5 different chassis colors and 2 CPUs.

I think what would help correct the issues with this device and really solidify it as a full fledged product would be the development of actual upgrades for the FW12; many people have pointed out a color accurate screen for Art/ Film/ Photography, a backlit keyboard/ upgraded track-pad, and an improved chassis i.e. aluminum. All this would really help the device on the whole.

And I do recognize that Framework is small. Development of products takes time and money.
But it does not change that they are a company selling a product that does not live up to its basic description.

For full transparency I bought my Framework 12 second hand for dirt cheap. I customized it from Sage to Bubblegum, and love it, it works well for how I use it as an internet browser machine.

2 Likes
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It’s not a budget device. In fact, the i5-1334U mainboard costs the same as the Ultra 5 325 used on the 13 Pro

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Congrats you did not read my post. My complaint is that it is NOT A budget device but when trying to voice oppions about the device people will constantly hand wave it saying that it is.

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This is also my compaint and I did read your post

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My apologies. Your reply was unclear.

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I think use of single channel memory and unfortunate M2.2230 that makes you get rarer and slow DRAMless SSDs is what causes people to call it “value”.

However the term “value” is determined by price, and price alone. So it’s the market telling you what it is. Value is $400, not $799. It’s a mid-range device.

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Honestly, if it weren’t for the fact that I’ll soon have to replace the casing because cracks have started forming, I would say that you were wrong. The Framework 12 was cheaper than my first laptop, has better memory and better utility, actually usable cord ports, and it stays charged for most of my day. But I haven’t even had the laptop for 8 months, and the underside has a top of cracks around the corners, and the top has cracks around the logo, which means that I’ll probably have to replace both before I’ve even had it for a year, which is beyond upsetting, especially because I’m almost certain that in there will be some hidden upcharge in replacing either. So I fully agree with you, this isn’t a budget computer, and it isn’t durable. I just wish I had thought to read through the forums before I bought it so I knew NOT to.

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Significant part of pricing a new laptop and how attractive it is relative to the price is determined by the technical specs.

Because of the subpar design using M2.2230 SSD and single channel memory, it’s effectively a device that has specs equal to value devices which go for $400-600 being priced for $799 and up.

Those two decisions instantly bring the specs down a notch. You aren’t getting a i5, rather an i3. Your CPU and your system is being hampered and held back by those unfortunate technical decisions.

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i had to adjust the position of the touchpad myself but once i did i have found it real enjoyable. it is nice and big and the clicks are crisp. i would like to get a version with dedicated left/right buttons for maximum LAPTOP GAMING but i would consider a backlit keyboard upgrade higher on the priority list. I am also hoping that next gen fw12 board is amd because from what i understand zen not only runs better but colder, and even if that isn’t true amd’s igpu options will blow these 64eu and 80eu intel uhd out of the water. even if just like these 13thgen intels they picked apus that are a couple generations old already

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You should contact support about your cracked case. For me it was only the bottom, but getting them to send a replacement was easy and free. Swapping the new part in wasn’t particularly difficult. My new case is still crack-free three months later.