Starting with the size, the Framework Laptop 12 measures 0.73 by 11.3 by 8.4 inches (HWD) and 2.87 pounds. It’s a nice, small laptop that feels good to tuck under your arm or carry in one hand.
The chassis is sturdy plastic and, more uncommonly, rubberized along all of its edges. Shock-absorbing material on the drop-prone corners of this device makes it more likely to survive the trials of younger users, and Framework went as far as meeting MIL-STD-810 durability requirements. This means the device ensures a level of survivability against drops, vibrations, and bumps—all of which make it an even better fit for education use cases.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Despite the simple look and modular parts, the Framework Laptop 12 is a pleasure to use. The compact size contributes to this somewhat, as it’s easy to carry in one hand or tuck under my arm. But the touchpad is surprisingly high-quality, too. While small, it pans super smoothly and feels almost soft to the touch, like all of my pressure is cushioned. Something about it is very pleasant, which I didn’t expect from this class of system. The keyboard is more run-of-the-mill—key travel is decent, but there’s a bit of flex in the center. It’s overall, though, plenty comfortable.
I’m less impressed by the 12.2-inch display, which is merely serviceable. It features a HD resolution in a 16:10 aspect ratio, meaning 1,920 by 1,200 pixels. Since this is a convertible 2-in-1, the panel is of course touch touch-enabled, so you can use it in tablet mode when needed.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
There are fairly thick bezels around the edges that, while unsightly compared with modern slim bezels, do make it easier for users to remove and replace them to change the panel. The display’s picture clarity, though, is only OK in practice, and it’s far from the brightest display I’ve seen. Between the thicker bezels and so-so screen, the panel can’t rise above average, to my eyes.
The convertibility does add a lot of function, though, and it’s pretty straightforward. The keyboard is not detachable, but simply flips around behind the screen, and since it’s a sturdy system, it makes for a solid base. The laptop is perhaps a little thicker than you’d want for a tablet when folded in two, but it’s usable, and it feels less delicate for smaller and younger users. The device is compatible with MPP 2.0 and USI 2.0 stylus types if you have your own, while the company will be selling its own Framework Stylus later this year.
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Framework’s modular design extends to its ports. As mentioned earlier, this system, like the other Framework laptops, touts removable “expansion cards,” small modules with different connection types that you can swap in and out. These all connect to the interior of the laptop by slotting into empty bays along the edges of chassis via inward-facing USB Type-C connections.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
On the user-facing end of each card, you’ll find different ports. Our various cards include USB Type-A or Type-C ports, a microSD slot, an HDMI output, and even an Ethernet jack. You simply plug these into the sides of the laptop to enable that port type.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
We didn’t get these with our unit, but Framework also sells a DisplayPort card and storage expansions (250GB or 1TB). The different port expansions run from $11 to $25 per module, while the 250GB storage card is $45 and the 1TB one is $125.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
This adds both versatility and customization to these laptops, and something about it is inherently satisfying, too. This is one of Framework’s best innovations in its modular design, both on an execution and usefulness level. You won’t get stuck without a port type you really need, and it’s simple to swap in a different port block if you need, say, an extra USB-C connection temporarily. The laptop charges through USB-C, so having more than one Type-C module can be useful for peripherals.
The one concern I do have, though, with these modular ports in an education environment is with younger students. The ability for mischief (or mere curiosity) among children to insert, re-insert, and swap around these modules could be a distraction that’s not an issue for an ordinary laptop or Chromebook with fixed-in-place ports.
