A hands-on comparison of the Framework 12 and Apple's MacBook Neo, prompted by choosing a laptop for a high school graduate. Benchmarks show the MacBook Neo is faster, quieter, more power-efficient, has a better display, and costs significantly less ($499 vs $749+). The Framework 12 offers repairability, modular ports, a touchscreen, and 360° hinge, but these advantages don't justify a 20-40% price premium for most users. Build quality compromises on the Framework include a poor display, bad speakers, and outdated stylus tech. The Framework 13" lineup is recommended over the 12" for those prioritizing repairability and Linux support.
193 Impressions