what kind of device is it and what are its capabilities

What kind of device is this?

The second model is based on the same principles as the first one – modularity, ease of upgrade, security and openness. This is fully Open Source Hardware.

Open source code covers all hardware and software parts of the laptop. All the schemes and firmware are available to users, which allows them to make changes to the device and even create their own versions of the laptop. In addition, you can study the code and schemes of the device, make sure there is no malware or vulnerabilities, and make changes to enhance security. This is especially relevant for those who are worried about possible “bookmarks” or vulnerabilities in proprietary devices, where the code is not available for audit.

Another advantage of MNT Reform Next, like its predecessor, is that the devices do not depend on cloud services or external servers to operate. User data is not sent to third-party servers, as is often the case with proprietary operating systems and programs. This provides a higher level of privacy and control over data.

The modular design of the MNT Reform Next allows for hassle-free replacement of components — the display, battery, keyboard, and even the processor. This makes the laptop repairable and a long-term solution, unlike most modern laptops that are difficult or impossible to repair. Why? The fact is that the vast majority of new models have a processor, graphics chip, RAM, and other components soldered to the board. Often, only the SSD can be upgraded.

MNT Reform Next Features:

• CPU: 8-core Rockchip RK3588 (4 Cortex-A76 cores up to 2.4 GHz and 4 Cortex-A55 cores up to 1.8 GHz);

• graphics: ARM Mali-G610 MP4;

• RAM: 16 or 32 GB LPDDR4;

• storage: 128 or 256 GB eMMC Flash;

• screen: Full HD resolution;

• ports:

  • left side: USB 3.0 Type-C with Power Delivery support, Ethernet (with ix-RJ45 adapter), MicroSD slot, headset jack;

  • right side: HDMI, 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A;

• wireless communication: Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2;

• keyboard: mechanical with Kailh Choc switches and RGB backlight;

• Input devices: multi-touch trackpad or trackball;

• battery: 8 18650 cells divided into two blocks;

• body material: CNC machined aluminum;

• other features: fully modular design, self-repair and upgrade capability, quiet operation (no fans), open source hardware and software.

The second generation is more productive than the first. The design is also more impressive – compare the appearance of both devices:

You can even change the processor

The laptop from MNT Research is good because even the processor can be changed. The chips are installed on specialized modules. The first model had five options at once – from NXP i.MX 8M Plus with four Arm-cores Cortex-A53 @ 1.8 GHz to the AMD/Xilinx Kintex-7 FGPA module (for industrial use, can run the RISC-V software core).

As for the second model, the manufacturer confirms Possibility of replacing processor modules. You can choose the following options:

The batteries are worth a special mention. The battery packs in the Reform Next laptop contain four replaceable 18650 cells connected in series. Each pack has its own monitoring and balancing circuits. The coordination of the batteries, charger, and USB-C power supply on the first port board is carried out by the RP2040 microcontroller, which runs free software.

The device also boasts a mechanical keyboard with Kailh Choc switches and RGB backlighting. The developers claim that the keyboard provides a pleasant tactile sensation and can serve the owner for a very long time. In addition to the keyboard, the laptop offers a choice between a trackball and a glass multi-touch trackpad.

Operating system – Linux. The laptop supports various distributions, so you can customize the system to your needs.

Delivery and cost

It's too early to talk about it. The developers plan to raise funds for mass production of the device through crowdfunding, but the campaign has not yet been launched. The cost is unknown, but this device is unlikely to be cheap. The previous model is sold for $1,200.

The developers do not disclose the sales volume of the previous model. But the fact that the release of the second generation is now planned speaks to the success of the concept itself. If the production of these devices were unprofitable from a financial point of view, the company would not develop.

That's all for now. If I get any new information about the laptop, I'll update the post. If you have the first model, let me know how you like it. Do you like everything or are there any problems?