Introduction to Framework’s Latest Project

Framework, a company known for creating a wide range of modular and endlessly repairable machines, has unveiled its latest project. The company recently previewed the Laptop 12, a 12.2-inch touchscreen convertible designed to be affordable and accessible to a broader audience, including young people, students, and those on lower incomes. Unlike typical entry-level machines that often come with compromises, the Laptop 12 is built with the same principles of repairability, modularity, and upgradability as its larger counterparts.

Design and Features of the Laptop 12

The Laptop 12 adopts the general design language of its predecessor, the Laptop 13, but is tailored to fit its smaller footprint and screen. It will be available in five different colors, with an optional color-matched stylus. The device features a metal skeleton for added rigidity, clad in TPU. According to founder Nirav Patel, the Laptop 12 is designed to be highly durable, and if it can be broken, repairs are intended to be even easier than those of the Laptop 13.

[Image: Promotional image of the new low-cost Framework Laptop 12] Courtesy: Framework

Addressing the Issues with Entry-Level Laptops

Patel emphasized that entry-level laptops often embody the problems associated with consumer electronics, being "janky, locked-down, disposable, underpowered, and frankly, boring." The Laptop 12 is Framework’s response to these issues, offering a high-quality, modular design at an affordable price point.

[Image: Promotional image of the new low-cost Framework Laptop 12] Courtesy: Framework

Specifications and Availability

While a full specifications list has not been released, Framework has confirmed that the Laptop 12 will offer options for a 13th-generation i3 or i5 Core Processor, supporting up to 48GB of DDR5 RAM. Additionally, it will feature an NVMe SSD with capacities up to 2TB, Wi-Fi 6E, and the choice between Windows 11 and Linux. The 1,920 x 1,200 display is customized to deliver 400 nits of peak brightness and includes touch and stylus support.

Conclusion and Future Plans

Framework is expected to release detailed specifications for the Laptop 12 in April, at which point pre-orders will also become available. Shipments are anticipated to commence during the summer. The Laptop 12 represents a significant step in making high-quality, modular, and repairable electronics more accessible to a wider audience, and its release is highly anticipated.

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