How do tablet mode felt with keyboard in hand

Framework Laptop 12
1

Hi, now than some of you have been able de testing/using the framework 12 i have a question about the “felt” of the back of the framework 12 in tablet mode.

when in tablet mode the keyboard is behind and i suppose you can have the finger touch the keyboard. Does it felt “unpleasant” or do you just forget it ?

I don’t “need” a 2-in-1 (i have a 16 and a desktop) but a realy easy to move laptop with a tablet mode with good linux compatibility could be a nice addition, but i’m unsure about the grip in tablet mode …

sorry if i am not clear, i’m not that fluent in english.

note: i ask about totatly personnal opinion, not “fact”, not about the software

2 Likes
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I do not have an answer for you Laurence however what you have asked is perfectly clear.

I too will be interested in the thoughts of other community members.

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In portrait mode, I’d say it’s fine. Yes, if you hold it by that side you do feel the keys under your fingers, but it’s soft and not uncomfortable. In some ways it makes the grip feel quite secure.

You also have the option of flipping it over and holding it by the touchpad side, and that’s very unobtrusive. Your only problem there is that the bezels are smaller that side so your hand covers more screen (and the possibly the webcam / microphone).

In landscape mode I’m finding it a bit too heavy to hold with one hand comfortably. It needs to be held tighter than I’d want to for a long time due to the leverage. In fact I’d say weight is probably the reason I expect to use this more as a table-top notepad or easel, rather than a clipboard.

It’s a laptop that can also be a tablet. Not a tablet that can also be a laptop. It’s weighted as a laptop. It has the thickness of a laptop. I’m very happy with it (especially now I’ve got the Linux install dialled in), but I’m not finding myself using tablet mode that much. That might change when I get a stylus.

Edit: just playing with different styles of holding it. I think my favourite is portrait clipboard in my left hand. The weight is balanced on my forearm, palm on the trackpad and fingers curled around the right edge. It’s a nice document reading or writing position. Not going to do hours like that though.

1 Like
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I’m very used to 2-in-1 chromebooks. My FW12 feels very much the same.

My main use for tablet mode is commuting into London on the train - in that case I usually use it in landscape orientation and with the bottom edge resting on my legs or a table. I find 2-in-1 s including the FW12 a bit heavy to hold in one hand for any length of time, unless the bottom is resting on something.

I forget that the keyboard is on the back in tablet mode.

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I find it quite comfortable. I sometimes feel the keyboard depending on the position I hold it in, but it’s not too weird.

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I wouldn’t say it’s uncomfortable or particularly unpleasant, but it does feel a bit … wrong to be constantly pressing keys while holding it.

In landscape mode you can hold it so your fingers are on the wrists rests and it isn’t an issue.

I also definitely wouldn’t want to lay it on a surface keyboard side down.

I’m trying to think of a cover I could put on in tablet mode just to make the keyboard fell more protected.

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What setup did you go for, if you don’t mind me asking. :upside_down_face:

About OP’s question I agree with what has been said already. It was a bit weird touching the keys at first, but I got used to it really quickly. I use tablet mode a lot to read and doing that I rest the FW on my lap. I’m also really looking forward to using a stylus with it!

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It’s weird pressing the keys on the back. Makes me feel like I’m gonna mess with something.
After using it for a while I’ve just kinda gotten used to it.

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I am trying to write this text using the following virtual keyboard with my custom layout in tablet mode, in landscape. It’s a challenge, but I have the freedom to pursue the best keyboard layout for me. Using a split keyboard layout without moving fingers much is fun and a pleasure :wink: And my paper-like screen protector makes me comfortable when touching the virtual keyboard.