Framework Laptop 12 review

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Keyboard, arrows, and ergonomics

  • Strong debate over half‑height up/down arrows: some like the compactness or inverted‑T feel; others absolutely refuse to buy any laptop with them.
  • Many want full inverted‑T arrows without shared Home/End or PgUp/PgDn, citing heavy text navigation use.
  • Placement of Ctrl vs Fn is contentious; some insist Ctrl must be bottom‑left for ergonomics and muscle memory, others note most non‑Lenovo laptops already do this.
  • A few complain that modern “island” laptop keyboards are universally worse than older ThinkPad‑style boards.

Performance, battery life, and fan noise

  • Repeated comparisons to MacBook Air (M1–M4). Several argue it’s unrealistic for Framework 12 to match Apple on performance‑per‑watt and fanless design using Intel/AMD.
  • Others counter that some modern x86 chips can be power‑capped or configured fanless, but this usually sacrifices multi‑core performance.
  • Battery life of ~10 hours is seen as “OK but not special” and inferior to Apple’s, especially under Linux.
  • Some users report having to tweak turbo/boost settings or TDP on Framework/PC laptops to tame fans and thermals.

Linux support and ecosystem vs Apple

  • First‑class Linux support is a primary selling point; multiple commenters say Framework is now more common than ThinkPads in their local Linux circles.
  • Some mention Asahi Linux on Apple Silicon as an alternative, but note incomplete feature parity (external displays, battery behavior) and dislike of macOS.
  • Others argue that for many users, the Apple ecosystem (cross‑device integration, long support) outweighs Linux benefits.

Repairability, modularity, and long‑term use

  • Strong appreciation for easy part swaps (keyboards, trackpads, hinges, ports, batteries) and the existence of official spares for older models.
  • Critics question how often people actually repair/upgrade, and whether scarcity of parts in a decade will make older Frameworks less repairable than mass‑produced Macs/ThinkPads.
  • Fans respond that for their use cases (kids, spills, accidental damage, privacy when sending devices in), self‑service repair is concretely valuable.
  • Some skepticism that the “future upgradability” promise is fully realized yet, especially around GPUs; others point to multiple CPU mainboard revisions as evidence it is.

Price and “value”

  • Many think the Laptop 12 is overpriced for its performance, display (e.g., limited sRGB coverage), and materials versus both MacBook Air and mid‑range PCs.
  • Counter‑argument: base prices look worse because Framework doesn’t overcharge for RAM/SSD; high‑RAM/high‑SSD builds can be cheaper than Apple’s equivalents.
  • Several see Framework as a “Linux/repairability tax” they’re willing to pay; others would rather buy cheaper refurb ThinkPads or mainstream brands.

Form factor, features, and target users

  • Some applaud the 12" size and see it as ideal for students and school BYOD, especially with touch, stylus, and easy repairs.
  • Others dislike the integrated touchscreen (more to break, unwanted fingerprints) or wish it were a smaller detachable tablet, not a classic convertible.
  • Color choices (lavender/“Galvatron”) are polarizing—cute/nostalgic to some, unprofessional or childish to others.

Developer and power‑user needs

  • One thread discusses web‑dev workflows needing large RAM (Docker, browsers, LSPs, Next.js). Opinions split between “optimize your stack” and “high‑RAM laptops like Framework are uniquely attractive.”
  • People wanting high‑end GPUs or completely fanless yet powerful machines mostly conclude that Framework (and PC laptops generally) still lag Apple’s M‑series “whole package” for those niches.

Overall sentiment

  • Enthusiasts praise Framework’s mission, Linux focus, and real‑world repair stories, and are willing to accept weaker specs or higher prices.
  • Skeptics see the Laptop 12 as a nice but compromised machine that doesn’t justify its cost against MacBook Airs or solid business laptops, especially if you don’t deeply value repairability or Linux.