The MNT Reform Next brings the Rockchip RK3588 processor to the modular laptop series. It retains the open-hardware nature of the older MNT Reform and introduces a lighter and more modular design, complete with a much faster processor.
The MNT Reform Next separates the three port boards from the main motherboard, allowing for greater customization and modification than its predecessors. The standard processor module (RCORE) can be swapped with other modules such as the Raspberry Pi CM4, as well as NXP i.MX 8M Plus, NXP LayerScape 1028A, and AMD Kintex-7 FPGA modules.
Like the classic MNT Reform and the MNT Pocket Reform, the enclosure for the Reform Next is milled from anodized, bead-blasted aluminum. Apart from being repairable and customizable, the RK3588 modular laptop is powerful enough to be a daily driver for browsing, writing, programming, gaming, graphics design, sound creation, and video editing.
MNT Reform Next specifications:
- SoM
- SoC – Rockchip RK3588
- CPU – Octa-core processor with 4x Cortex-A76 and 4x Cortex-A55
- GPU – Mali G610 MP4 “Odin” GPU with support for OpenGLES 1.1, 2.0, and 3.2, OpenCL up to 2.2 and Vulkan1.2
- RAM – 16GB or 32GB LPDDR4
- Carrier board interface – 200-pin SODIMM edge connector for reusing/exchanging modules from classic MNT Reform and MNT Pocket Reform
- SoC – Rockchip RK3588
- Storage
- 256 GB eMMC flash memory
- M.2 NVMe SSD slot (up to 2 TB)
- microSD card slot
- microSD Express card slot (internal)
- Full Disk Encryption possible with LUKS
- Display – 12.5″ matte IPS 1920×1080 eDP panel
- Video Output – Full-size HDMI port
- Camera – Optional camera module based on autofocus Omnivision OV5640 sensor
- Infineon/Cypress CX3 MIPI-CSI to USB bridge
- Hardware kill switch
- Audio
- TLV320AIC3100 DAC with internal speaker driver/connector
- Headset TRRS jack: Stereo headphone driver and mono microphone support
- Networking
- Gigabit Ethernet via ix Industrial connector (and short ix to RJ45 adapter)
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0 via Ezurio Sterling-LWB5+ module
- USB
- 2x USB 3.0 Type-C ports
- USB 3.0 Type-C port with USB Power Delivery
- USB USB 3.0 Type-A port
- User input controlled via Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller
- 80 keys mechanical keyboard with Kailh Choc Brown switches and N-key rollover
- Customizable RGB backlight
- OLED screen for system control functions
- Three-button trackpad (Cherry MX ULP switches) with gesture support
- Power Supply
- USB Type-C Power Delivery charging
- Battery
- 8× LiFePO4 cells (16000 mAh total)
- ~5 hours runtime; potential 8+ hours runtime with Li-ion batteries (in development)
- BQ25756 (multi-chemistry) charge buck/boost controller for 4S2P LiFePO4 or 4S2P Li-ion batteries
- Dimensions – 29 x 20.5 x 2.6cm
- Weight – ~1.6kg (subject to change)
The MNT Research company prides itself in “open-source, accessible, and modular” projects and the MNT Reform Next is no exception. The RK3588-based modular computer promises full “control of your device and your personal data.” All components are open-source, with public access schematics, KiCAD files, and firmware for the motherboard and keyboard.
The MNT Reform Next can run several open-source operating systems, including OpenBSD, Genode Sculpt, and Debian Linux. The company offers a pre-built system image, a comprehensive handbook, and a quick start manual, all accessible in the documentation section of their website.
The MNT Reform Next campaign is close to being completely funded on CrowdSupply. The basic variant of the modular, open-source laptop with 16GB and 256GB eMMC is priced at $1,099 with free worldwide shipping. Higher-priced options with more RAM, an NVMe SSD, and a laptop sleeve are also available. All orders are expected to ship by September 1, 2025.
Tomisin is a writer specializing in hardware product reviews, comparisons, and explainers. He is very passionate about small form factor and single-board computers.
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This is one of the most free as in freedom notebooks out there.
Most as in free beer?
With RK’s new stand on no end customer interface/contact, and no direct commitment to open source (instead relying on 3rd parties to cobble it together) I’m personally steering away from anything rockchip entirely.
There are different SoM options for this device, although not selectable on the crowdfunding web page.
The RK3588 is straight up DEAD according to Jean Luc’s own reporting. Have any other outlets picked up on that yet?
After getting more feedback, it looks like Rockchip will not sell its chips to *some* SBC vendors, but not all. They are still contributing to Linux, work with Collabora, and so on. See updated post and comments.
I still have to find out what “Rockchip no longer contribute RK3588 code” means…
Ah, I didn’t see that. Thanks for clarifying!
Too sad they did not use 260. dimm like the Orin Nano module has
Would have buy it instantly then
The rk3855 is nice but at least for daily use it never got really it’s full potential because of lack of driver
And nowadays it has aged out of useable for not tinker and hobbyist
One thousand bucks for a cheap SoC based laptop is crazy.
I’v love to see more laptops RK based with ARMBian support, but with a reasonable price and low specs, like PineBook.
The low price netbooks are dominated by Celeron processors, when it could be dominated by Rockchip SoC with ARM processors, with a very lower energy consumption than Intel.
1100? i think ill wait for macbook air M4..
Not nearly the same type of product, but if you only plan to use it as a standard laptop, then yes, air m4 is a better option.