Modular computer company Framework has opened pre-orders for its new Laptop 12, a 12-inch 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop designed to be repairable and upgradable. The Laptop 12 starts at £499 in the UK, €569 in Europe, and $719 CAD in Canada, making it more expensive than expected, but still hundreds less than Framework's other DIY laptops.

The Laptop 12's pricing is likely influenced by the new US tariffs, which have delayed US preorders and paused sales of Framework's other cheapest machines. Despite this, the company remains committed to its mission of making laptops more sustainable and repairable. The Laptop 12's modular design allows users to upgrade or replace individual components, reducing electronic waste and extending the laptop's lifespan.

The base model Laptop 12 comes with a six-core 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U processor, but users can upgrade to a 10-core i5-1334U for an additional £150. The prebuilt model, which starts at £749, comes with the same i3 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Users can upgrade to the i5 and 16GB of memory for an additional £200.

In comparison, similarly spec'd laptops can be found in the UK market for between £400 and £600, making the Laptop 12's pricing seem steep. However, Framework's focus on repairability and modularity comes at a cost, which is reflected in the laptop's price. The company's commitment to sustainability and reducing electronic waste may appeal to environmentally conscious consumers willing to pay a premium.

While US pricing has not been announced, currency conversion rates suggest the Laptop 12 could cost around $510 USD for the base model and $765 USD for the prebuilt model. Framework has tweeted that it is working on a launch plan for US pre-orders and will share updates soon.

In addition to the Laptop 12, Framework has also announced a color-matched stylus with a removable battery, which will be available for purchase separately. The stylus will support both Windows and Linux operating systems. The prebuilt Laptop 12 will only be available in black, while the DIY version will come in a range of colors, including mint and pink.

The first batches of DIY and prebuilt models are expected to ship in June and July, respectively. As the Laptop 12 becomes available in more markets, it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to its unique blend of modularity, repairability, and sustainability.