Hello, residents of Khabr. Viktor Sergeev from MTS Digital is with you. At the beginning of 2024, the MNT Pocket Reform modular laptop from the MNT Research company, which we already wrote about, went on sale. This is a device with good maintainability, which is also well protected from the point of view of information security. Now a new model has been released – MNT Reform Next, this is already the second generation of the device. That she can read under torture.

What kind of device

The second model is based on the same principles as the first — modularity, ease of upgrade, security and openness. It is completely Open Source Hardware.

Open source code extends to all hardware and software parts of the laptop. All schemes and firmware are available to users, which makes it possible to make changes to the device and even create your own versions of the laptop. In addition, you can study the code and circuits of the device, make sure there is no malicious software or vulnerabilities, and make changes to increase security. This is especially true for those who are concerned 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 accessories do not depend on cloud services or external servers to work. User data is not sent to third-party servers, as is often the case with operating systems and programs. This provides a higher level of privacy and data control.

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

Characteristics of MNT Reform Next:

• processor: 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, 2×USB‑C, 1×USB-A;

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

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

• input devices: multi-touch trackpad or trackball;

• battery: 8 18650 cells divided into two blocks;

• body material: aluminum with CNC processing;

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

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 the processor can be changed. 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 it can run the RISC software core -V).

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

Separately, it is worth mentioning the batteries. In the Reform Next laptop, the battery packs contain four interchangeable 18650 cells connected in series. Each unit has its own monitoring and balancing schemes. Coordination of the batteries, charger and power system via USB-C on the first port board is carried out using the RP2040 microcontroller, which runs under the control of free software.

The device also boasts a mechanical keyboard with Kailh Choc switches and RGB lighting. The developers claim that the keyboard provides pleasant tactile sensations 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.

The operating system is Linux. The laptop supports various distributions, so you can customize the system to your own needs.

Delivery and cost

It is still 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 retails for $1,200.

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

That’s all. If there is new information about the laptop, I will update the post. If you have the first model, tell us how it is for you. Do you like it or have problems?