I currently own a FW13 AMD 7840 with the 2.8k Screen.
I mainly use it for banking, surfing, mail, watching video and some light gaming*
So I don’t really use its power.
This machine is my main PC, it’s the “Bruce” it’s the thing that has to work, while I tinker with the other PCs. And the FW13 does that, I like the thing, it works.
Ever since the FW12 got announced, I thought: “Maybe I should swap the 13 for the 12?”
What I find most interesting is the 2in1 formfactor, espacially for watching video on a smaller footprint (in “tent mode”)
I don’t think the weaker CPU would affect my use case. My main concern is the smaller keyboard and the build quality (the cracking cases)
So the question is: Is that a stupid idea? Has anyone done this switch?
*Meaning games like: Stronghold Crusader Definitive Edition, Civ 5, FTL, Into the Breach
The keyboard is a harder plastic and not as nice as the FW13 keyboard (and sadly also does not have a backlight). It will work without a problem, but might not feel as nice. Pretty sure if you value tent mode you can tolerate the keyboard.
Only issue is the cracking case. I’m one of the affected users and had my whole laptop swapped. Too early to say if it will crack again. What I can say is that the cracking does not render your device useless. It’s more of a nuisance and might lead to more serious chassis integrity issues after a longer period. All reports so far had varying degrees of cracks, but all machines still worked.
So in summary from my point of view only the chassis cracking might be a risk. But only if it is not sorted out by the time you’ll get your future batch and even if it should happen to you you’ll open a support request and get it sorted out with warranty. In my case I was never without a device - they sent me a replacement, I swapped the components, and sent the old machine back. At no point was I without a working laptop.
If you want to be completely worry free maybe better to wait longer. Personally I would not shy away, as I always love new hardware
I have done the switch. I gave my old Framework Laptop 13 11th Gen Intel to someone, and my main PC (daily driver) is Framework Laptop 12. In my case, I prioritize the compact belongings. I sold my old iPad when starting to use the Framework Laptop 12. I also prioritize the survival ability when traveling, and my Framework Laptop 12 with 4 USB-C expansion cards to charge is good for the purpose.
I am happy with my decision. The switch depends on your priorities.
Switching from 11th gen i7 to 13th gen i3 was an upgrade to me. I am lucky that I didn’t experience any cracking issue.
The keyboard definitely feels different if you’re used to the FW13. But the size wasn’t noticeable to me. I got used to the key travel and surface texture in a day or two.
Something I haven’t seen mentioned a lot was how different the touchpad feels—it’s more glassy on the FW12. I also got used to that quite quickly. But that could be due to my particular touchpad habits—I tend to not use the full pad and set the acceleration high. I also don’t use the touchpad buttons and prefer to use gesture instead.
I’m running both, FW13 ultra 125, and FW12 i3, FW13 has backlit keyboard, but no touchscreen, FW12 has touchscreen but no backlit keyboard…I’m not sure which one annoys me more by being missing, but…
I use them for different things mostly, but they’re also my ‘do everything’ laptops, if I can’t take all my devices with me for some reason(such as not having a shipping container to pack them in…>.> ), they need to be able to step in and take over everything I do on the computer, and so far, they’re both more than up to it. FW12 is definitely on the weaker side as a gaming machine, but…it’s not meant for that, and it’s still adequate. if I ever retire either of them it’ll be the FW13, in favor of the FW16, and ship my FW13 to my best friend, but more likely I’ll just run all three of them, and buy her one of her own
Thanks for the replies! They helped a lot with my decision!
The last days I thought long and hard about this „problem“.
Until the whole case cracking problem is resolved, I don’t feel comfortable getting a FW12.
Also with the screen being one of its weaker points, it doesn’t seem like a good fit for a media-device…especially at this price.
Framework Shirley will provide an Upgrade for the FW12, given it’s popularity. But when will that be? 2026? 2027?
And it seems a bit „off“ buying something already thinking about upgrades (if that makes sense).
Even if I would leave Framework, I don’t think there are any Linux friendly, somewhat repairable 2in1 devices out there. The Tuxedo Infinity Flex is „currently sold out“ and getting a used Thinkpad with soldered everything seems…not great.
Since my FW13 does everything I need (just not everything I want ) I will train my patience and wait. Whether I wait for a FW12 Gen2, a FW13 2in1, a new Tuxedo Flex or something completely different…who knows?
But I’d like to stay with Framework, I already have numerous expansion cards and I like the idea.
Normally I’d agree the idea of buying a laptop and looking forward to upgrades indeed seems “off”, but I’d say FW laptops are different in that regard. You might wait a year or so, but I doubt you’ll be thinking of upgrading for at least a year anyway.
) I will train my patience and wait. Whether I wait for a FW12 Gen2, a FW13 2in1, a new Tuxedo Flex or something completely different…who knows?