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

  • Swap CPU, RAM, SSD
  • Customizable
  • Self-serviceable

Chassis

  • Milled aluminum body
  • Robust
  • Recyclable

Keyboard

  • Mechanical
  • Customizable layout
  • Dimmable backlight

Pointing Device

  • Ergonomic trackball
  • Precise pointing
  • Glass trackpad option

Batteries

  • Exchangeable
  • Cobalt-free LiFePO4
  • Safe to use

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. The CPU features 6 cores: 4x fast 2.2GHz Cortex-A73 and 2x efficient 1.8GHz Cortex-A53. The integrated ARM Mali G52 MP4 GPU delivers OpenGL/ES 3.1 with the open source Panfrost driver.

In a Nutshell

  • Fast CPU and GPU
  • Wi-Fi 5
  • Bluetooth 5.0

Use Cases

  • Programming
  • Web applications
  • OpenGL 3.0 gaming

Drawbacks

  • One display at a time (HDMI or internal)
  • USB 2.0
  • Binary firmware

2. MNT Reform LS1028A Processor Module

This is the fully open hardware system-on-module featuring the NXP Layerscape LS1028A processor with 2x Cortex-A72 cores (1.5GHz) and 16GB of DDR4 RAM.

In a Nutshell

  • 16 GB RAM
  • Open Hardware
  • No binary blobs

Use Cases

  • Single-thread performance
  • Industrial server apps
  • Encrypted system

Drawbacks

  • No HDMI output
  • Less energy-efficient
  • Only 2 cores

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

  • Stable performance
  • Dual display support
  • Energy-efficient

Use Cases

  • Writing/communication
  • Light programming
  • OpenGL ES 2.0 emulation

Drawbacks

  • Only 4 GB RAM
  • Not recommended for heavy web apps

Detailed Specs

CPU
RAM
GPU
all 3 CPU modules
Modularity Comparison Table
DisplayFull 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.
NetworkingGigabit Ethernet port. Optional ath9k miniPCIe Wi-Fi card.
StorageInternal M.2 M-key socket for NVMe SSD. Full size SD card slot. 16GB eMMC
PCIe1x miniPCIe socket (PCIe 2.0 1x), 1x M.2/NGFF (Depends on module. i.MX8MQ: PCIe 2.0. LS1028A: SATA-3. A311D: Not connected.)
KeyboardReform 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
EnclosureModular case from CNC-milled, bead-blasted, black-anodized 6061 aluminum. Bottom cover milled from semi-transparent acrylic.
SoundWolfson WM8960 ADC/DAC, stereo speakers, 3.5" headset/microphone jack (no internal microphone)
BatteryLiFePO4 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 ControllerNXP LPC11U24 ARM Cortex-M0 chip with open firmware and hackable expansion port
ManualOperator Manual incl. system schematics and full parts list
SourcesKiCAD 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
OSPreloaded 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

- Mauro Morales: MNT Reform 2 DIY Kit Review


Customize my MNT Reform

More from MNT

Options

Customize

Pointing Device
Keycaps (Backlit)
NVMe SSD Storage (M.2)
WiFi Card (mPCIE)

(Not required for A311D)

Sleeve

Durable vegan leather.

Handbook (136p.)
CPU Module

Price

1,199.00