Tag: Framework Laptop 12

  • Framework Laptop 12 Stylus Launches at $59 with Desktop Accessories

    Framework Laptop 12 Stylus Launches at $59 with Desktop Accessories

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Framework Laptop 12 features a new stylus compliant with the USI 2.0 standard, offering 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support.
    2. The stylus has customizable buttons, a replaceable tip, and a rechargeable 80mAh battery that can also be replaced, charging via USB-C.
    3. Color options for the stylus include Black, Lavender, Bubblegum, Sage, and Gray, matching the Framework Laptop 12’s color palette.
    4. The stylus is priced at $59, distinguishing itself with its replaceable battery, despite cheaper alternatives available in the market.
    5. Additional accessories for the Framework Desktop, such as the DeskPi RackMate and Desktop Handle, are also available for purchase.


    The Framework Laptop 12 was introduced earlier this year as a compact 12-inch device featuring a touchscreen that supports stylus input. Although customers have been able to pre-order the laptop for several months, the official stylus has just become available.

    Details About the Stylus

    The newly released Framework Laptop 12 Stylus is compliant with the USI 2.0 standard and boasts an impressive 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. It comes equipped with tilt support, two customizable buttons, and a replaceable tip. Additionally, it has an 80mAh rechargeable battery that can also be replaced. The stylus measures 10mm in diameter, weighs 15 grams, and charges through USB-C.

    Color Options and Availability

    Buyers can choose the Framework Laptop 12 Stylus in colors like Black, Lavender, Bubblegum, Sage, and Gray, which are the same shades available for the Laptop 12, allowing for a coordinated look. Currently, the stylus is sold separately, but it’s worth noting that it is out of stock as of now.

    For those who are pre-ordering the Laptop 12, there’s an option to add the stylus to their order. Furthermore, Framework indicates that customers with existing pending pre-orders can modify their order to include the stylus.

    Pricing Comparison

    The Framework Laptop 12 Stylus is priced at $59. While there are less expensive USI 2.0 styluses on the market, such as the Metapen USI 2.0 Stylus Pen G1, which retails for $29.99 on Amazon, Framework’s stylus stands out due to its replaceable battery feature.

    Apart from the stylus, Framework has also rolled out new accessories for the Framework Desktop. This includes the DeskPi RackMate 10-inch 2U Mini-ITX Shelf, priced at $35, which is a metal tray designed for the mainboard and power supply. Additionally, there’s the Framework Desktop Handle, available for $19, which serves as a grip for the Desktop case. Both accessories can be found on the Framework marketplace.

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  • Framework Laptop 12 Teardown: Easy Repair Guide and Insights

    Framework Laptop 12 Teardown: Easy Repair Guide and Insights

    Key Takeaways

    1. Affordable Pricing: The Framework Laptop 12 starts at a base price of $549, making it a budget-friendly option, especially for students.

    2. Convertible Design: It features a 360-degree hinge and a touchscreen, allowing it to function as a convertible device.

    3. Easy Repairs: The laptop is designed for easy repairs, with tools not required for replacing ports and easy access to internal components.

    4. Smart Internal Connections: The motherboard and keyboard connect via pogo pins, reducing the risk of damage during repairs, and internal components have QR codes linking to repair guides.

    5. User-Friendly Upgrades: Users can easily replace key components like the battery, RAM, and SSD, and the lack of adhesive on the display simplifies future replacements.


    The Framework Laptop 12 comes at a much lower price compared to the Framework Laptop 13, with the base price starting from $549. While the entry-level model packs an Intel Core i3-1315U, which is not very high-powered, it’s still a great choice for students. This laptop features a 360-degree hinge and a touchscreen, making it usable as a convertible device. Plus, all its parts can be swapped out with relative ease.

    Easy to Repair

    A teardown video by iFixit (linked below) illustrates how simple it is to fix the Framework Laptop 12. True to the design of Framework laptops, the four ports can be replaced without needing any tools, enabling upgrades to include HDMI, Ethernet, or even an SD card reader. Accessing the inner parts of the laptop is straightforward since both the keyboard and trackpad can be detached easily without tools.

    Smart Design Choices

    One smart design feature is that the motherboard and keyboard connect through pogo pins rather than a flex cable, which could be damaged during replacement. The trackpad can be changed independently from the keyboard by just loosening a few screws. Most internal components have QR codes that link to repair guides, and replacement screws are conveniently stored inside the case.

    User-Friendly Upgrades

    In just a few steps, users can replace the battery, power button, speakers, RAM, and the small M.2 2230 SSD. Even the mainboard can be swapped out by loosening a few screws, allowing for future processor upgrades. Furthermore, Framework avoids using adhesive on the display, making it easier to replace when necessary. With all these repair-friendly features, the Framework Laptop 12 earns a perfect repair score of 10 from iFixit.

    Source:
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  • Framework Laptop 12 Priced at $549 Now Available for Pre-Order

    Framework Laptop 12 Priced at $549 Now Available for Pre-Order

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pre-orders for the Framework Laptop 12 in the US start at 9 AM PT on April 10, with prices beginning at $549 for the DIY edition.
    2. The Laptop 12 features a 12.2-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a 360-degree hinge for versatility.
    3. It will be available in two models: a basic Intel Core i3-1315U version and a performance Intel Core i5-1334U variant, both with upgradeable RAM and storage options.
    4. The device includes features like Wi-Fi 6E, a 1080p camera, and four user-selectable expansion cards, along with a 50Wh battery and 60W GaN USB-C charger.
    5. Color options for the Laptop 12 include Black, Bubblegum, Gray, Lavender, and Sage.


    Framework has revealed that pre-orders for the Laptop 12, its inaugural 2-in-1 laptop featuring a touchscreen, are now open. Initially announced on April 9 for regions like Canada, Europe, and the UK, the US market was left out. However, a new update has provided pre-order information for customers in the US.

    Pre-Order Details

    In the United States, pre-orders for the Framework Laptop 12 will commence at 9 AM PT on April 10, with the DIY edition starting at a price of $549. For comparison, the pricing in Europe begins at €569, while in Canada, it’s CA$719, and in the UK, it stands at £499. Similar to other regions, the first shipments are expected to be sent out in June.

    Specifications and Design

    The Framework Laptop 12 is described as an entry-level device featuring a 12.2-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200, supporting MPP 2.0 and USI 2.0 styluses. It boasts a 360-degree hinge, enabling it to be folded back entirely for use as a tablet or set up in tent mode. With a TPU and plastic casing along with a metal chassis, Framework claims that the Laptop 12 adheres to MIL-STD-810 durability standards.

    Performance Options

    Framework will provide the Laptop 12 in a basic model equipped with an Intel Core i3-1315U processor, and a performance variant featuring an Intel Core i5-1334U. The base model comes pre-built with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, while the performance version offers double the RAM but maintains the same storage capacity. Both pre-built configurations will include Windows 11 Home, whereas the DIY edition will not come with an operating system.

    The memory can be upgraded to as much as 48GB, and storage can be expanded up to 2TB (M2. 2230 NVME SSD). Additionally, the Framework Laptop 12 will include 4 user-selectable expansion cards. Other notable features include Wi-Fi 6E, stereo 2W speakers, a 3.5mm combo jack, a 2MP 1080p OmniVision camera with a privacy switch, and a 50Wh battery accompanied by a 60W GaN USB-C charger in the package.

    Color Options

    The Framework Laptop 12 will be offered in various colors, including Black, Bubblegum, Gray, Lavender, and Sage.

    Source:
    Link

  • Framework 12: Repairable Entry-Level 2-in-1 Laptop with Rugged Design

    Framework 12: Repairable Entry-Level 2-in-1 Laptop with Rugged Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Framework Laptop 13 features AMD’s Strix Point APUs and emphasizes repairability and upgradeability.
    2. Framework is developing the Framework 12, a convertible laptop designed for students and field workers, with a focus on durability and user feedback.
    3. The Framework 12 includes a 1,920 × 1,200-pixel touch display, with impressive internal specs like Intel 13th-Gen CPUs, up to 48 GB of RAM, and 2 TB of NVMe storage.
    4. The laptop is made from polycarbonate and ABS materials for cost-effectiveness and durability, while maintaining a minimalist design.
    5. Pre-orders for the Framework 12 will begin in April, with shipping expected by mid-2025, though pricing details are yet to be announced.


    Framework has shared news about the new Framework Laptop 13, which now features AMD’s Strix Point APUs, along with a Framework Desktop powered by AMD Strix Halo. As always, these products prioritize repairability and upgradeability. Additionally, Framework revealed that they are developing the Framework 12 — a convertible laptop designed to be repairable and upgradable, intended to endure the rough treatment often faced by students and field workers.

    Target Audience Expansion

    Initially, Framework created the Framework 12 with students in mind, but they broadened their focus based on early feedback.

    “Although students were our primary focus when we started working on this product two years ago, we discovered that every adult who tested it wanted one too!”

    Impressive Specifications

    The Framework 12 will come with a 1,920 × 1,200-pixel touch display and stylus support, although it remains unclear if the stylus will be pressure-sensitive. This screen is expected to deliver at least 400 nits of brightness, making it suitable for various indoor settings and some outdoor applications. The internal components of the Framework 12 are notably more impressive than those typical education laptops, featuring either an Intel 13th-Gen Core i3 or Core i5 CPU, with up to 48 GB of DDR5-5200 RAM and 2 TB of NVMe storage.

    Design Choices

    To manage costs while ensuring durability, Framework has chosen to use a polycarbonate (PC) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) casing instead of a metal frame. This is complemented by a shock-absorbent TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) overmold that protects the outer plastic shell. Despite these more economical materials, the Framework 12 maintains an adult-friendly aesthetic, adhering to Framework’s minimalist industrial design principles.

    The new Framework 12 will likely feature the same expansion ports as the Framework 13 and 16, keeping the standard four-port arrangement found in the larger models. As is customary, Framework will provide support for both Windows and Linux operating systems.

    Anticipated Release

    While Framework has not yet revealed a price for the Framework 12, more information is expected soon. Pre-orders for the Framework 12 are set to begin in April, with the aim to commence shipping production units by mid-2025, although a precise shipment date has yet to be announced.