Framework Laptop 12 ZDNET's key takeaways The Framework Laptop 12 is a modular, DIY laptop you build yourself, starting at $549.
It's portable, durable, and Linux-friendly, a great option for anyone building their first laptop or looking to branch out from stock laptops.
Its modest hardware is best for everyday tasks, and its display isn't the most dazzling. View now at Frame
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There are a growing number of capable, budget-friendly Windows alternatives in 2025, but one of my top recommendations is the Framework Laptop 12, a modular, DIY 2-in-1 you can build yourself, supporting Linux or Windows out of the box.
No matter which OS you choose, Framework 12's modular nature allows for a higher degree of customization than a stock laptop. In addition to the brand's standout colorways, unique build, and good durability, you can pick your own hardware, I/O ports, and even how they're placed on the chassis.
Also: Leaving Windows 10 today? How to clear your new Windows 11 PC cache (and start fresh)
This kind of practical customization is at the heart of Framework's laptop design: challenging the notion that laptops "need" to be built a certain way, and that it's possible -- easy, even -- to shake up the status quo.
But it's not just about customization; Framework's laptops are designed for easy repair, with replaceable individual components contributing to device longevity, instead of "getting a new one" just because your HDMI port is dead.
Each individual part inside the laptop is marked with a QR code that links to a detailed video and/or How-To article describing how to replace it as part of Framework's robust library of support content.
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