Does anyone have strong opinions on open source hardware? I’m finally at a point where I need to upgrade my laptop.
The Framework 16 pre-order is tempting. It’s a fascinating project. Even if it comes at premium due to the small scale of their operation, I’m happy to support the cause.
Alternatively, Sytem76/Clevo hardware has interested me for a long time (coreboot ftw). Based on the documentation current gens are super easy to repair.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
I think the current status-quo of devices like laptops is unsustainable. For example just because the CPU is a bit slow doesn’t mean the RAM, GPU (If Applicable), PSU, Motherboard, I/O Ports, Display, Speakers, Camera, Keyboard, Trackpad etc should go too. The way it’s currently done is so incredibly wasteful and peak capitalist (Hi Apple 🫠).
So I’m 100% on board with Framework’s goal and, if it is financially feasible, you should go with them. Software is infinite, hardware is not. But if Framework’s is a bit too steep then I’d go with someone like System76 just because I don’t want to fuel the fire of Big Tech.
Modular =/= Open Source.
Unfortunately, we live in the reality in which an affordable laptop with open source (yet modern) hardware simply doesn’t exist. While the likes of Insurgo, NitroPad, NovaCustom, Purism, Star Labs, System76 and Tuxedo do commendable work on the software side of things; they still leave a lot to be desired as there is currently no laptop counterpart to what Raptor Computing Systems is able to achieve on the desktop.
Obviously I applaud Framework for what they’ve achieved for the “right to repair” and hope they’ll at least pave the way for what’s possible within the realm of open source hardware on laptops. Unfortunately, I’m a bit pessimistic as the way they’ve handled coreboot up till now has been far from desirable. But I’d love to be mistaken on this.
to be noticed. framework laptop still dont have coreboot support yet.
How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?
RISC-V is open specification for processor design, and some Cpus, like T-Head’s C910 are published designs. The Roma laptop uses a SoC based on that, though I don’t suppose it’s readily available. There’s also an SBC - the Lichee Pi 4A, and a tablet from Sipeed… But all these devices are cutting edge, and probably not for the general consumer quite yet.
I’d love for someone like system 76 or framework to make a RISC V laptop
Tbh, I think that’s the real next step. Some of these smaller user-oriented brands like S76, Star Labs, Framework, etc. will hopefully coordinate and start pushing ARM laptops a lot further. The power consumption benefits alone should be an excellent selling point.
Pine64 has a RISC V tablet
Wait really!? I need it
Just don’t expect a smooth user experience yet, its’ software is still very much WIP. Google hasn’t even finished RISC-V support in Android yet.
That doesn’t surprise me. Google probably won’t get that done until 2034
I just got my Starfive Visionfive2 this week, and yeah… not as easy to use a Raspberry Pi just yet.
The various Linux based suppliers I know are:
System 76 (but not here in Europe) Tuxedo (Germany based but ship worldwide) Starlabs (UK based)
Lenovo tends to work well with Linux.
Here’s a ZD net article listing some Windows laptops which should work with Linux: https://www.zdnet.com/google-amp/article/best-linux-laptop/
