The MNT Pocket Reform is a tiny, Linux-compatible laptop computer with a 7 inch display, a mechanical ortholinear keyboard, and a modular design. While the laptop initially ships with an NXP i.MX8M Plus quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, the system-on-a-module is removable and replaceable, making it possible to replace or upgrade to a different SoM.
MNT launched a crowdfunding campaign for the mini-laptop last year and raised over $600 thousand. Now, after a couple of delays, the first MNT Pocket Reform units are shipping to backers. But it will take a while for every unit to ship.
That’s because MNT is a small team, and every device needs to be assembled, tested, loaded up with software, and shipped by a small team of… just two people. With over 700 units to assemble and test, MNT says “it will take us a few months to ship all MNT Pocket Reform laptops.”
So far, 48 units have been shipped and the goal is to move about 100 per month over the next few months. A handful of backers have already received units.
While the Crowd Supply crowdfunding campaign was fully funded in April, 2023, you can still place an order for a Pocket Reform – prices start at $999 + $18 for worldwide shipping. But I’d take the estimated July 31 ship date with a grain of salt, as it sounds like existing orders probably won’t all have shipped by then.
As a reminder, when MNT launched its crowdfunding campaign for the Pocket Reform last year, the team had initially hoped to begin shipping the mini-laptop in October, 2023. It’s only now beginning to ship in June, 2024.
But despite the delays, the Pocket Reform continues to stand out as a somewhat unique device. Like the original MNT Reform laptop, it’s a modular, customizable, open hardware device. Not only is it designed to run free and open source software, but the hardware designs are also accessible. And the modular design means that not only can you upgrade or replace the system-on-a-chip, but you can also add optional accessories like a 4G LTE modem, design your own keyboard or other input devices and swap them in, or make other changes.
While the new Pocket Reform is smaller than the full-sized MNT Reform (which has a 12.5 inch display) and doesn’t support every module or accessory that works with that laptop, some features are interchangeable.
