### MNT Reform Next: An Improved, Open-Source Laptop for Today’s World
The initial **MNT Reform laptop** made headlines in the technology sector as a daring initiative in open-source hardware and software. It was crafted with transparency, user-modifiability, and repairability as foundational aspects. However, despite its commendable goals, the laptop’s bulky design and lackluster performance, particularly due to its sluggish processor, left users looking for a contemporary, Internet-ready device wanting.
Fast forward to 2024, and **MNT Research** has returned with a noteworthy enhancement: the **MNT Reform Next**. This latest version seeks to rectify the flaws of its forerunner while upholding the same open-source ideology that distinguished the original Reform. Let’s explore the essential features and advancements of the MNT Reform Next.
—
### A More Compact, Efficient Form Factor
One of the standout modifications in the MNT Reform Next is its **more compact and slimmer form**. The original Reform was recognized for its hefty design, which, while practical, was hardly elegant. MNT Research has succeeded in reducing the laptop’s dimensions without compromising its core tenets of user-repairability and modular design.
The size reduction is mainly attributed to two innovative design elements:
1. **Enhanced Battery Packs**: The new battery units are more compact yet still **user-replaceable**, an uncommon trait in the increasingly enclosed consumer tech landscape. These **LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate)** batteries provide a blend of safety, eco-friendliness, and durability. Additionally, for those prioritizing extended battery life over safety, the motherboard features switches for using **Li-ion batteries** instead.
2. **Modular Motherboard Configuration**: Rather than utilizing a single extensive motherboard, the Reform Next incorporates **several smaller boards**. This modular framework not only aids in creating a sleeker profile but also simplifies the process of replacing individual parts. The motherboard is organized into a **CPU module** and three distinct **”port boards”** that manage both internal and external connections, streamlining repairs and upgrades.
—
### Under the Hood: A More Robust Processor
A critical deficiency of the original MNT Reform was its slow performance, primarily attributed to its outdated **NXP/Freescale processor**. The MNT Reform Next addresses this with a **Rockchip RK3588 processor upgrade**. This SoC (System on Chip) boasts:
– **Four ARM Cortex-A76 CPU cores** (mirroring the cores found in the Raspberry Pi 5’s Broadcom SoC).
– **Four ARM Cortex-A55 cores** optimized for efficiency.
– Options for **16GB or 32GB of RAM**.
While this processor may not transform the Reform Next into a high-end heavyweight, it represents a significant step up from its predecessor. The upgraded specifications should enable the laptop to capably manage everyday tasks such as web browsing, productivity applications, and light development work.
—
### A More Conventional Input Interface
Another significant alteration is the transition from the distinctive trackball of the original Reform to a more standard **glass trackpad**. While the trackball was an unusual and engaging feature, it wasn’t universally appealing. The glass trackpad offers a familiar and user-friendly alternative for the majority, thereby enhancing the laptop’s accessibility to a wider audience.
—
### Connectivity and Upgrade Options
The MNT Reform Next does not compromise on ports or upgradeability. It includes:
– **HDMI and USB-C ports** for up-to-date connectivity.
– **Four PCIe lanes** internally, enabling users to connect **M.2 storage** or various expansion cards.
This level of expandability is uncommon in current laptops, especially those that favor slim designs. The Reform Next finds a sweet spot between slimness and the versatility that power users and enthusiasts desire.
—
### Open-Source Philosophy: Still Central
Just like the original MNT Reform, the Reform Next is anchored in the tenets of **open-source hardware and software**. This ensures that users have complete access to the laptop’s design files, schematics, and source code. Whether you are a developer eager to modify the system or a hardware fan looking to alter the laptop’s components, the Reform Next empowers you with the freedom to do so.
This open-source attitude also applies to the operating system. The laptop operates on **Linux**, allowing users the liberty to install their favorite distributions. This adaptability is refreshing in a landscape where most laptops are shackled with proprietary software and restricted customization possibilities.
—
### Availability and Cost
Currently, the MNT Reform Next remains in the **prototype phase**. MNT Research has a history of publicizing products long before they hit the market, and the Reform Next follows this pattern. To procure one of the initial batches, you’ll need to support the project via the **Crowd**.
