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Something to look forward to: Most consumers have come to accept that laptop hardware is generally static, with only a few models allowing for memory and storage upgrades. However, for the past few years, Berlin-based company MNT Research has been working to provide mobile users with true modularity and total independence from mainstream hardware and software vendors. The company is preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the next step in its hardware ecosystem.
Modular laptop maker MNT Research has unveiled plans for a successor to its open-source Reform laptop. Called the Reform Next, this updated model boasts a sleeker design, a new touchpad, and MNT's latest hot-swappable CPU.
MNT's Arm Linux notebooks offer users near-total freedom through DIY assembly, akin to building a desktop PC. Components like the processor, RAM, storage, and even the 3D-printable chassis are independently upgradable.
Owners of the original 2021 Reform laptop can upgrade to the RK3588 SoC, which MNT introduced in April. However, the Reform Next comes with it pre-installed. This new chip features four Cortex-A76 performance cores, boosting up to 2.4GHz, along with four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores running at 1.8GHz, and a Mali G610 MP4 integrated GPU. It supports up to 16 or 32 GB of memory, dual display output, PCIe 3.0, and USB 3.0 connectivity.
MNT also achieved a lighter design by splitting the motherboard into multiple components, implementing a custom battery pack, and replacing the trackball with a trackpad featuring three Cherry MX mechanical buttons. The system retains the RGB mechanical keyboard from its predecessor, using Kailh Choc switches.
MNT is still finalizing the hardware for the Reform Next and plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply. Interested users can follow updates through the company's website or Mastodon profile.
The Reform laptops are positioned as general-purpose portable PCs with a strong emphasis on security and privacy. MNT's website criticizes the surveillance tools commonly embedded in mainstream hardware and software, describing its CPUs as an alternative to the rise of generative AI. With companies like Apple, Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD embedding NPUs for AI workloads into their new and upcoming processors, it's likely that most laptops will soon include AI technology by default.
For those seeking modular laptops who don't mind using Windows, Intel, or AMD, the Framework lineup is worth exploring. Framework offers a more traditional form factor with hot-swappable mainboards and other components. The company recently introduced Intel Core Ultra 100 and AMD Ryzen 7000 options.