Framework opened pre-orders for the Framework Laptop 12 with Fedora 44 KDE Plasma Desktop pre-installed on September 7 Fedora Magazine. The 12.2-inch 2-in-1 convertible starts at $699 for the Fedora pre-built configuration and ships in October.
The move targets the Framework Laptop 12’s existing Linux-heavy audience. Framework said almost 80% of Laptop 12 owners run Linux across a range of distributions. The new model adds Intel Core Series 3 processors (Core 3, Core 5, and Core 7), Thunderbolt 4 on the rear expansion slots, Wi-Fi 7 via Intel’s BE213 radio, and optional fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard with open-source ZMK firmware Framework Blog.
Fedora contributors validated kernel 7.1 support for the new silicon, integrated the fingerprint sensor into libfprint, and ran Test Day scenarios for touch, stylus, and display rotation on the convertible form factor. Jef Spaleta, Fedora Project Lead, said the Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop edition is “the premier KDE experience for users” and welcomed Framework customers having it pre-installed Fedora Magazine.
The DIY Edition starts at $499 for builders who prefer to install their own OS Fedora Magazine. Framework also confirmed backward compatibility: the new Core Series 3 mainboard, fingerprint reader, and backlit input cover all fit the original Laptop 12 chassis Framework Blog.
Image credit: Fedora Magazine / photo by Framework (edited)
Previously: Fedora Badges revamped in ground-up rebuild — Fedora’s badge system got a full redesign in August.
Related: Running Ollama Locally with Podman on Fedora Linux — A guide to running local LLMs on Fedora from August.
