Since COVID, I haven’t needed to travel for work so I have less and less of a need to go for something as high spec as a Dell XPS 13 or with the gaming ability of a Razer Blade, which are my previous two machines. For the occasions where I do travel, I love something I can sling in a back or a carry case without lots of padding (like my trusty EeePC from the netbook era), so something more durable than an aluminium slab appeals.
The FW 12 will replace an occasional use high spec laptop and an ageing but still functional 6th gen iPad, both of which can find much more use with someone else who needs them, and I’ll escape another e-waste upgrade cycle like I already have from smartphones.
Finally, I have green everything else, so unfortunately I am very looking forward to getting the green accents.
I will be replacing an IPad and mostly replace a desktop pc. Just basic word/spreadsheet processing, web surfing, basic programming and etc. I will keep the windows desktop around for gaming but I don’t do much gaming anymore so my framework will be picking most of what I did on the desktop.
16 is a bit big for travel and because I’ve come to love it, the thought of wiping it is painful. That said, the 12 seems perfect for travel, SDR fun, temporary operating systems, etc. Also curious how Linux does with a touch screen, though I doubt I’ll use that much.
Direct replacement for my Thinkpad X210, for general-purpose use as my main portable computer. Web browsing, music, chatting, coding (mostly Ruby), light gaming (Isaac Rebirth and TF2). The Thinkpad is also 12" with a WUXGA panel but with much older internals that have started to show their age. I think the chiclet-style keyboard on the FW12 will probably be a downgrade from the glorious 7-row Thinkpad keyboard, but the Framework will be an upgrade in every other way and I love the way it looks.
My current main-computer is a Thinkpad T480s and I want to replace it. As my Thinkpad is fast enough for my use cases, the fw12 should be fine at all. As secondary device I had an GPD Pocket2 (7" notebook), but while it is super portable it is not really handy to use.
On the go or for the couch 12" is fine and at the desk I have a 38" display. And I really wanted to have a convertible as my next device…
I only hope the quality will be ok, as I am used to using thinkpads t- or x-series. I already miss the backlit keyboard and the trackpoint and hope I will like the (glossy) screen and the haptics (especially for the keyboard)…
I generally work from home on a Linux minitower, but I want to replace the 6-year-old laptop I take with me when I’m in the office. The FW 12 would be used for the browser apps I have to use for the job, along with some light video- and audio-editing. The 12-inch form factor is nice and mobile, and I’ll be plugging it into an external monitor regardless.
Stylus support for hobbyist-level 2D artwork and note-taking is an added bonus, and depending on the quality of Linux support for it I may very well be able to replace my iPad Air with this as well – so, two birds with one stone, I guess?
Just ordered mine. Besides just loving the ability to repair and upgrade, I’m buying this with the intent of consolidating two other machines that each have their own unique limitations:
Dell XPS, the Linux edition. Still runs pretty well actually, although the 7yo processor is starting to show its age.
Samsung Chromebook 2 360. I really, really wanted to love Chrome OS. But Crostini is just not there yet, and I kinda feel like they’re going to move Chrome OS users to the new Android Terminal once it’s generally available. And I’m betting this won’t be more stable than Crostini for a while longer yet. All that said, I really like the convertible form factor, although I’d still love to see a modern version of my beloved Asus Transformer Prime.
But the 12 will upgrade the performance of my Linux laptop and add the versatility of my Chromebook and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
First post to the community!
I’m an engineering student, so I’m hoping the FW 12 is a good daily driver for light CAD work and note taking.
Currently I lug around an abused Dell Precision loaner laptop. The battery is basically shot, and the built-in software from my school takes a toll on performance.
While the tablet functionality is neat, I’m not sure it will replace my Samsung tablet in the note taking work flow, but will definitely fill the gaps of needing a device that can run various software, both engineering and office related.
I think the main thing I’m looking forward to is having my own laptop that is highly portable, while having a moderate amount of power, and able to be modified/customized.
For the more demanding applications, I can thankfully just use my Desktop
I was looking for a laptop that I can use while I’m at college, and the 12 should work nicely for that. It’ll be plenty powerful for most things I’ll be doing (web browsing, notetaking, programming, light gaming). I may also use it for art. I’ve heard concerns about the screen’s color gamut, but I’ve worked with worse
Other than the repairability/upgradability, Linux being officially supported is one of the reasons I chose Framework. Although I’ll have to dual-boot Windows anyway for test-taking software and such.
I wanted a small cheap(er) laptop to run Linux for me to do my finances on. I currently run Windows/Linux on the laptop I have (Asus Zephyrus G14) which just isn’t ideal since I can’t encrypt the entire disk (password on boot) or at least I’m not proficient enough to get it done.
The 12 will allow me to make my current laptop Windows only and get a fully encrypted dedicated machine for my finances with the ability to use a hardware switch to disable the camera and microphone for additional peace of mind.
Added bonus is being able to try out a Framework device and possibly add more of their devices in the future. Love the idea of being able to upgrade down the road.
As someone who dislikes laptops to a great degree, I am getting the FW12 as my secondary device, as using a desktop is a bit cumbersome. Using it like a tablet with a stylus is also great for taking notes.
Also, an occasion to fully transition to Linux. I can’t make the switch immediately on my desktop, else I can’t do any work done for like a few weeks.
My only computer has been a FW13, and it’s been a great laptop for me, but I don’t like how I still have to treat it somewhat delicately whenever I take it on the go, especially with how the bottom vents (like with most laptops) are something you need to be careful with depending on the surface you place them on, and the fact that FW13s can overheat under load if you use them in a dock with the laptop fully closed. Also no stylus/touch support.
FW12 is like a perfected 13. It’s my dream form factor with side-only vents, a more rugged (and charming) exterior, and stylus/touch support to boot.
For me, if I end up buying the FW12 in the future, it will probably be used to take me through school/university. I think for people who take both maths & writing subjects, the 2-in-1 form factor will be great - if you need to take notes, just use it like a regular laptop, but if you need to do equations or calculations, you can easily switch it into a tablet and use a stylus to write your notes instead. Looks like a great product, and at a decent price point aswell! My configuration turns out to be about £650 without RAM and storage (the prices for those seem to be at a premium in comparison to elsewhere lol), so definitely not bad for what you’re getting
