MNT Pocket Reform first impressions and hardware
andypiper.co.uk
andypiper.co.uk
It definitely has been scratching my tiny laptop itch. I think the first laptop I ever used was my dad's Libretto 70ct back in the day, and I've loved mini laptops ever since. I think they hit on the right input method with that small trackball too, it's very smooth!
I also designed a custom back panel for mine, though unfortunately I missed a few details so I'm gonna have to get it re-made. But it's fun to have so many customization options! https://www.terracrypt.net/posts/custom-pocket-reform-lids-h...
What’s the use case for one of these? Data centers?
And then there's the Steam Deck, and variants from Asus and Lenovo. But with those you have to supply your own KB + stand. I guess they wouldn't quite count.
I've been keeping an eye on MNT Pocket as a substitute. Reviews look great.
The MBA 11 was nice because it fitted in an airplane tray really well.
Might be a good option.
And I don't travel long distances that often, but it probably fits better on train or airplane tray tables than a bigger laptop would too. I'm always worried the person in front of me will recline a bit when my laptop's in just the wrong spot and it'll shatter my screen from the top, haha.
I also accidentally got them made out of PCBs of the wrong thickness, and I forgot that the CPU module and wireless antennas would be in the top half so there's a full copper layer underneath that lettering which won't be great for wireless reception. Ah well, you live and learn :)
Bit light on detail, but it got me a decent part of the way there.
With the new rk3588 SOM it's possible to have 8 cores and 32 gigs of RAM can't recommend their devices enough. Have a second Reform with an LS1028A.
Deeply want them to continue to succeed. So refreshing to have a device that is fully transparent and upgrade-able over time.
Waiting for their new server rack mounted form factor to come out so I can put my old SOMs to use in my homelab.
On the original Reform, I had some issues adapting to it's slightly non-standard (at least for US English) key layout... and on this one, it has a very visually-pleasing key layout, but I can imagine unless it's your only keyboard, it will take a bit of mind-melding to type well on it.
These MNT devices are—at least for now—not the type of things you'd consider to replace a Macbook or a slim laptop for portability and practicality/value.
I still want one, lol
My #2 issue was always in realizing how disappointing it was to trade so much performance on top of the things still always being too large to comfortable fit in your actual pocket anyways. If you're already the type that enjoys carrying a portable game console with you then you might enjoy carrying one of the gaming focused mini portables since you can trade some minor clunkiness for more game library flexibility and raw power isn't a huge requirement to have a decent portable game library. If you're wanting to actually use it as a traditional computer... I just don't think I could ever see the device class being more than a novelty which ends up on a shelf after 7 uses for 95% of people that go and buy one.
It's cool this one is open hardware and focused on trying to provide a good open software experience but it does make all of the above even a bit rougher (can't help but recoil that every post about the Pocket Reform has a picture of the user at a text terminal).
Clearly I'm biased, but the price for a new top of the line MNT laptop isn't bad comparatively at ~1,500 USD. Assuming you can wait a half a year to get one... On the keyboard comment, I have to say I find it quite easy to use. The only real difference is the split space bar, alt, and ctrl keys.
Would love to see a followup review on your channel whenever they get around to releasing the MNT Reform Next which should be much slimmer and faster. To your credit though, it's definitely for people who are willing to tinker. Simple things you'd expect to work like plugging in an external monitor don't work out of the box.
Some people swear by ortholinear as the most ergonomic. I did give ortholinear a few serious attempts but it always ends in strain and pain. And I'm no stranger to exotic keyboards.
Otherwise I'd be all over the MNT Pocket Reform but alas. Column-staggered (crkbd-style) would be lovely.
But I will say the MNT Reform stuff is pretty amazing all-around! I just can't anymore with most keyboards after a good 34 years keyboarding.
To the younger crowd out there - stretch... Play guitar or something. It helps!
I typed for years on a GPD pocket 1 as primary work machine (I had to travel a lot) until my eyesight didn't work anymore on that tiny screen.
Is there a tablet out there which runs Debian or Ubuntu?
I don't mean it has to come with Linux in the first place. I can wipe Windows or whatever it comes with and install Debian myself.
When I google around, I see people use some tablets with Linux based on special kernels they download from somewhere around the web. I would not want that. But a standard Debian or Ubuntu on a tablet would be great.
The is new iPads are 1.3 pounds at 13 inch.
1.98lb = 0.89811289 Kilogram
The mobian installation instructions are hosted on debian's wiki: https://wiki.debian.org/InstallingDebianOn/PINE64/PineTab2
That being said, neither the Pinetab/Pinetab2 are very well supported, I would not recommend.
I have a GPD win mini that I'm really happy with. It's not really comparable to this device, except that they're both pocket-sized computers. But in just that one regard alone they're fairly unique, and it is very nice to be able to just grab a computer (that's more functional than a smartphone) and stick it in my pocket.
Keep in mind we're hand assembling these in Berlin, Germany, and the first batch size was below 1000 units.
I hope you target larger batches and cheaper labor in the US (even to ship it back to EU) , or if you're paranoid about that, there are places that will help you with the assembly part in Mexico or plenty of other countries. I'm hoping a larger funding round on crowdsupply might help you target larger batches (and gauge interest).
The problem with the current price point is, I might get it for myself out of curiosity but I can't really recommend it to others unless they show strong interest in small and portable laptops.
The frame work is more expensive than what the person I responded to said, but it is an example of how it should be. It wont be cheaper though.
I don't really understand what your problem with low wage staff is, I suspect we have a different understand of this. In my view, even having employment at all is a big deal in those regions and matters of local labor law should be dealt with by the local population. Ingesting cash into their country's economy is usually a good thing unless there are ethical concerns like slavery or forced labor which isn't the case here. Western labor laws were dismal at some point as well, child labor was rampant even in the US not even a hundred years ago, I hope other countries make progress at their own pace.
Also, if people would buy repairable stuff it can become the norm; I guess govs are starting to demand it; either the prices go up or they find a way to make it happen ; both are good ; people need to learn to repair stuff instead of 'just get a new one, it costs nothing anyway'.