MNT Reform
The Ultimate Open Hardware Laptop.
MNT Reform is uniquely designed to be as open and transparent as possible, and to support a free and open source software stack from the ground up. We invite you to take a look under the hood, customize the documented electronics, and even repair it yourself if you like.
Modularity by Design
We've made lots of upgrades and improvements to the original MNT Reform model that launched in 2021. It now features a new (more traditional) keyboard layout, protected battery boards and steel port covers. You can choose between three main CPU processor modules and customize your Reform to your preferences:
1. Adapter Bundle with Banana Pi CM4 (Amlogic A311D)
The A311D will make your MNT Reform laptop very fast—both in terms of CPU and GPU. With this module, your laptop will be the fastest Reform laptop currently available.
In a Nutshell:
- Recommended if CPU and GPU performance are most important to you
- Good for programming, working with web and creative applications, watching videos and OpenGL 3 gaming/emulation
- Runs Mozilla Firefox with GPU acceleration
- Integrated Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0
- A few limitations: no dual display, USB 2.0, binary blob in bootloader and for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth firmware
See this video for desktop performance:
2. MNT Reform LS1028A Processor Module
This is the fully open hardware system-on-module featuring the NXP Layerscape LS1028A processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. It can be used in the MNT Reform open hardware laptop or in any other custom device.
In a Nutshell:
- Recommended if openness and RAM are most important to you
- Good for applications that need single-thread performance, for industrial and mobile server applications, running an encrypted system
- The most open module (completely open source hardware)
- 16 GB RAM
3. i.MX8MQ Processor Module
This is our classic CPU module for Reform, equipped with 4 GB RAM and 4x 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. Since we have constantly improved the support for this module over the years, it is still the most stable CPU module today.
In a Nutshell:
- Recommended if stability and dual display are most important to you
- Good for writing, communication, light programming and OpenGL ES 2 gaming/emulation, running an encrypted system
- Not recommended for heavy web applications
Detailed Specs
| CPU/RAM/GPU | Modularity Comparison Table |
|---|---|
| Display | Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) 12.5" IPS eDP display driven via MIPI-DSI. HDMI port (not available with LS1028A). 128 x 32 pixel system control OLED |
| USB | 3x USB 3.0 ports external (Type-A), 2x USB 2.0 internal (for input devices). A311D: external ports are USB 2.0. |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet port. Optional ath9k miniPCIe Wi-Fi card. |
| Storage | Internal M.2 M-key socket for NVMe SSD. Full size SD card slot. 16GB eMMC |
| PCIe | 1x miniPCIe socket (PCIe 2.0 1x), 1x M.2/NGFF (Depends on module. i.MX8MQ: PCIe 2.0. LS1028A: SATA-3. A311D: Not connected.) |
| Keyboard | Reform mechanical USB keyboard with Kailh Choc Brown Switches, dimmable backlight, open firmware |
| Trackball (Option) | Reform optical USB trackball with 5 mechanical switches (Kailh Choc Brown), open firmware |
| Trackpad (Option) | Reform capacitive USB trackpad, open firmware |
| Enclosure | Modular case from CNC-milled, bead-blasted, black-anodized 6061 aluminum. Bottom cover milled from semi-transparent acrylic. |
| Sound | Wolfson WM8960 ADC/DAC, stereo speakers, 3.5" headset/microphone jack (no internal microphone) |
| Battery | LiFePO4 battery technology, which is more fire-safe and has more charge-cycles than LiPo batteries. 8x owner-serviceable 18650 cells totalling 12 Ah/3.2 V. 5 h approximate battery life |
| System Controller | NXP LPC11U24 ARM Cortex-M0 chip with open firmware and hackable expansion port |
| Manual | 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 |
In the Box
- MNT Reform Laptop with:
- CPU module of your choice
- Trackball or trackpad (your choice)
- Keycaps of your choice (e.g. QWERTY-US)
- Handbook of your choice (digital or print version)
- Power Supply
- Optional Features:
- NVMe SSD Storage (M.2)
- Wi-Fi card (mPCIE)
- MNT Reform Sleeve
- Dimensions: 29 x 20.5 x 4 cm
- Weight: ~1.9 kg
Support
- Manuals and Downloads
- For more details on features of MNT Reform, read our news article.
- For questions, updates and feedback, join the MNT Community or write us an email.
Featured Reviews
- GEEKLAN: My MNT Reform – almost a year on
- Hackaday: Hands-On: MNT Reforms The Laptop
- INPUT: MNT Reform review: Your DIY laptop fantasy is here at last
- Mauro Morales: MNT Reform 2 DIY Kit Review
Related Products
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MNT Reform Camera €139.00
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MNT Reform Sleeve (Black Piñatex) €159.00
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MNT Reform Laird Wi-Fi Antenna €15.00
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MNT Reform CM4 Processor Module Adapter €149.00
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MNT Reform LS1028A Processor Module €899.00
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MNT Reform Keyboard 3.0 €219.00
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MNT Reform Keyboard Sleeve (Black Piñatex) €99.00
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ZZ9000 for Amiga €389.00
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MNT Reform Logo T-Shirt €25.00
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MNT Logo Basecap €25.00
