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Hi, this is where I regret not having updated that particular page in a longer time. While the goals remain the same, we have almost finished a complete redesi
by mntmn 7y ago
Hi,
this is where I regret not having updated that particular page in a longer time. While the goals remain the same, we have almost finished a complete redesign of the project.
Here are some updates:
https://mntre.com/media/news_md/2019-05-20-reintroducing-reform.html https://mntre.com/media/news_md/2019-05-20-reintroducing-ref...
In the flesh:
https://mastodon.social/@mntmn/102903623346043604 https://mastodon.social/@mntmn/102903623346043604
https://mastodon.social/@mntmn/102872674526072643 https://mastodon.social/@mntmn/102872674526072643
https://mastodon.social/@mntmn/102720152037379092 https://mastodon.social/@mntmn/102720152037379092
There are many work-in-progress pictures when you go to https://mastodon.social/web/accounts/35156/media https://mastodon.social/web/accounts/35156/media
If you prefer Twitter, I also post a lot of updates about the project there (@mntmn).
Updated technical specs:
CPU: NXP/Freescale i.MX8M with 4x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.5GHz), 1x Cortex-M4F core
RAM: 4GB LPDDR4 memory
GPU: Vivante GC7000Lite GPU with
Display: Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) 12.5" IPS eDP display. Optional HDMI port
USB: 3x USB 3.0 external, 2x USB 2.0 internal (for input devices)
Networking: Gigabit Ethernet port. Optional miniPCIe WiFi card
Storage: Internal M.2 socket for NVMe SSD. Full size SD Card slot
PCIe: 1 miniPCIe port
Keyboard: Slim Mechanical USB Keyboard with Kailh Choc Brown Switches, FOSS Firmware
Trackball (Option): Reform Optical USB Trackball with 5 Mechanical Switches (Kailh Choc Brown), FOSS Firmware
Trackpad (Option): Reform Capacitive USB Trackpad
Enclosure: Modular case from CNC milled, black anodized aluminum 6061 and semi-transparent acrylic (bottom cover, bezel)
Sound: Wolfson ADC/DAC (WM8731), Stereo Speakers, 3.5" headset/microphone jack (no internal microphone)
Camera: No camera
Battery: Safe LiFePO4 battery technology. Owner serviceable 8x 18650 cells totalling 12Ah/3.2V. Estimated 5h battery life.
System Controller: NXP LPC11U24 ARM Cortex-M0 chip with FOSS
Firmware and hackable expansion port
Manual: Printed Operator Manual incl. system schematics and full parts list
Sources: KiCAD sources for motherboard, keyboard, trackball, trackpad, STEP/STL/FreeCAD files for case parts, C sources for all firmware (input devices and system controller), build scripts for boot & system image
OS: Preloaded with Debian GNU/Linux 10, Linux 5.x mainline kernel
Weight: ±1.5kg (TBD)
- madez 7y agoThe MNT Reform seems to have open sources for the case and boards but a proprietary SoC and modules. There is also the Teres-I laptop from Olimex with open sources for the case and boards but a proprietary SoC and modules. The Librem 5 from Purism will have open sources for the case and board but a proprietary SoC and modules. It is good that we have at least the choice to buy a device with a blackbox from China (Allwinner A64, Teres-I) or from Europe (NXP i.MX8M, both MNT Reform and Librem5). But I think we would benefit from reusing common components in hardware just like in software. What do you think about cooperating with other developers that have similar goals to yours? Are you already?
- mntmn 7y agoYep I’d like to see an open SOM for Reform. If we are successful enough (re: cashflow/funding), it’s possible to do our own.
- mntmn 7y agoBTW don’t panic, there’s also a trackpad option if you don’t want the ball.
- Abishek_Muthian 7y agoHi, just curious if there had been any requests for a E-Ink display? I understand the limitations with refresh rates, burning etc. and that the use cases are limited to document reading; but considering this is a DIY/Modular laptop I wonder whether offering an optional E-Ink display crossed your mind. P.S I browse HN on my Kindle Oasis and found your site to be rendered very well on it. Most minimalist sites does work very well on an E-Ink display.
- mntmn 7y agoYep, the original plan was to have an option with a Plastic Logic display. But the displays are expensive and an extra big project to get to work well for a general purpose computer. But an interesting option for later.
- Abishek_Muthian 7y agoYes, costs of larger E-Ink display have been prohibitive; I've been told its due to the low volume production. Btw, €100 Hisense E-ink display phones are supposedly about to hit the market[1]. Perhaps they have their own factory or has found ways to minimize the cost, if so it should be worthwhile to check them out. [1]:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzfmvYWUwB4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzfmvYWUwB4
- kop316 7y agoI'm very glad to see the mainline kernel! I had a Novena and it not being upstreamed really hurt it's ability to be supported.
- dorfsmay 7y agoAre there trackpoint with FOSS firmware out there that could be used?
- traverseda 7y agoWhat does the "system controller" actually do? Battery management? Could a reliable system controller be used for other SoC platforms?