Are Framework laptops a serious option for our SMB?
Framework sells modular laptops where you replace nearly every part yourself. For SMBs with long depreciation and in-house tech hands it is attractive. For companies on vendor-managed support it is harder to slot in.
Try this first
- 1Decide if you want to handle hardware repair in-house or have a vendor come out. Framework has no onsite support in the Netherlands, all repair is DIY or return-to-base via Framework Europe.
- 2Look at the 13 and 16 models. The 13 with Ryzen AI 7 or Intel Core Ultra is a fine business workhorse, the 16-inch is more a power-user setup with optional GPU module.
- 3Run TCO over 6 to 8 years. Screen repair around 200 euro DIY, mainboard upgrade to a new generation around 600 to 900 euro. Against a new Latitude or EliteBook every 4 years, Framework wins on material cost and e-waste.
- 4Check your management stack. Framework runs plain Windows 11 Pro or Linux, so Intune, MDM and Bitlocker work. TPM 2.0 is in all current models. You will set BIOS passwords and boot policy yourself.
- 5Start with 1 or 2 units for staff who are happy turning a screw, before you roll out a whole fleet. The marketing colleague who never wants to see a screw should not be the pilot.
When to bring us in
Want Framework as a standard option next to Dell or Lenovo, it helps to lock the support flow up front: spares stock, who fits parts, how loaners work. We have done that for other SMBs.
See also
- Should we buy or lease laptops as a 5-person company?Both work. Lease is predictable but pricier over the term; buying needs cash and your own depreciation. The difference is mostly admin.
- Is buying refurbished smart or asking for trouble?For office work fine, if from a serious vendor with warranty and a clean OS install. The trap is shady marketplace listings.
- How much RAM and SSD for office work in 2026?Rule of thumb for knowledge work: 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD as a comfortable minimum. 8 GB already feels tight; 32 GB is for heavy tools.
None of the above fits?
Describe your situation below. We pass your input plus the steps you already saw to our AI and return tailored next-step advice. If it's too risky to DIY, we'll say so.
Or skip the DIY entirely
Our Managed IT clients do not look these things up. One point of contact, a fixed monthly price, resolved within working hours.