Framework Launched Modular Laptop 12 with Intel Processors
The latest compact modular device offers user-serviceable hardware components starting at $549.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Computers
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Framework has released the Laptop 12, a new compact notebook featuring Intel Wildcat Lake processors. This modular device is designed for manual assembly and repair, prioritizing serviceability over high-end display specifications.
Why it matters
The laptop represents a continued market push for modular consumer hardware that allows owners to replace and upgrade components manually. It prioritizes long-term repairability in a form factor that challenges traditional sealed-chassis designs.
The base model retails for $549, weighing 2.8 pounds and measuring 0.72 inches thick. It supports up to 64GB DDR5 memory in a single slot and features a 12-inch 1080p 60Hz display with 451 nits of peak brightness and 64.9% sRGB gamut coverage.
The players
Framework
A hardware company that designs consumer laptops focused on modularity and user-repairable internal components.
The details
Users assemble the machine by installing M.2 2230 solid-state drives and DDR5 SODIMM memory modules. Maintenance is performed by removing the bottom cover with a Torx screwdriver to access internal components located beneath the keyboard. The architecture utilizes four expansion module slots for I/O and offers three mainboard configurations including Core 3 204, Core 5 320, and Core 7 350 chips.
Timeline
Early 2025: The Framework Laptop 12 was initially introduced.
October 13, 2026: The current updated version was released.
The Tech Race
This release follows the company's commitment to modularity as an alternative to the increasingly common practice of soldering components directly to the motherboard. It positions the device against mainstream competitors that favor premium materials and higher display fidelity over user-serviceable internals.
Users can customize their machine by purchasing individual components such as memory and storage, which are installed manually. The keyboard offers 1.5mm of travel, providing a tactile feel that should be accessible for daily office or personal productivity tasks.
The takeaway
The Laptop 12 prioritizes a modular architecture that empowers users to perform their own hardware maintenance. Future updates from the company are expected to introduce additional color and keyboard layout options.
Further reading
For more information on the current landscape of modular hardware, see our coverage in Computers.
Live Poll
Is it worth paying a premium price for a laptop solely for the ability to repair it?
