The MNT Reform Next is (almost) here, and it’s not your typical run-of-the-mill laptop. It’s the kind of machine that walks into the room and says, “I know, I do not look like it but I’m actually built for the future, and yes, you can tinker with every inch of me.” Forget sleek, mass-produced gadgets. This one is for those who believe laptops should be customizable, repairable, and—let’s face it—pretty cool looking in a retro-futuristic way.
Under the hood, it’s packing a Rockchip RK3588 processor, with 16 or 32 GB of RAM—so you can browse Reddit, design a game, or program your way to stardom without lag. But what really sets it apart? Modularity. This laptop is like LEGO for adults. You can swap out modules, print your own case (seriously), or even fiddle with the mechanical keyboard because MNT knows you probably think you can improve it.
And it’s not just for hackers with soldering irons. Linux newbies and Debian enthusiasts can jump right in, thanks to MNT’s detailed handbooks and pre-built system images. And if you get stuck, the community’s got your back.
Of course, when you’re not tearing it apart, it’s your go-to daily driver. Write a novel in a café, program on the train, or use it as a portable audio workstation when you’re feeling musically inclined. And, for those long commutes, it’s the perfect laptop to distract you from… well, commuting.
Wrapped up in a chassis that’s either purple or black anodized aluminum, this bad boy weighs about 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), so it’s portable enough to carry but hefty enough to remind you that it’s not your average disposable gadget.
Key specifications are as follows:
- Processor: 8-core Rockchip RK3588 processor
- Graphics: Mali G610 GPU
- Memory: 16 or 32 GB LPDDR4 RAM
- Storage: 256 GB eMMC flash memory, M.2 NVMe SSD slot (up to 4 TB)
- Display: 12.5″ matte IPS 1920×1080 eDP panel plus an OLED screen for system control functions
- Keyboard type: Mechanical, backlit 80 keys QWERTY with Kailh Choc Brown switches and N-key rollover
- Sound: TLV320AIC3100 DAC with internal speaker driver/connector
- Connectivity: stereo headphone jack with mono microphone support, Wi-fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0
- Ports: Modular with USB Type-C (USB 3.0 + 2.0 signaling, PD), Gigabit Ethernet, bootable microSD slot, full-size HDMI, 2x USB Type-C, 1x USB Type A
- Battery and Charging: 8× LiFePO4 cells (16000 mAh total), USB Type-C Power Delivery Charging
- Camera: option add-on (external USB camera with an improved sensor, and hardware kill switch)
- Material: Purple or Black anodized, bead-blasted aluminum
- OS: Debian GNU/Linux, support other distributions, and Sway, GNOME, KDE, Wayfire desktops
- Dimensions: 29 x 20.5 × 2.6 cm (11.42 x 8.07 x 1.02 in), approx. ~1.5 kg (~3.3 lbs, subject to change)
The MNT Reform Next is all about open-source, customizable freedom, but the price hasn’t been mentioned. So, we’ll say it’s priceless for now—because how do you put a price on endless tinkering potential? MNT Research GmbH, the outfit behind the MNT Reform will be taking the new MNT Reform Next to crowdfunding platform Crowd Supply to peddle it. You can be signed up to be notified when the campaign goes live.
Images: MNT.