Hello MNT Reform Next supporters!

Thank you so much for backing MNT Reform Next—we easily surpassed our goal and had a super strong start to the campaign. We couldn’t make open hardware computers without you! It was so great to meet many of you at 38C3—thanks for the warm welcome and great feedback!

This week, we wanted to review some interesting design details you may have missed. Since MNT Reform Next is a new design, a lot of time and care was spent making it a unique device that has a character all its own.

The first big change you’ll notice is the slimmer, lighter design that’s slightly softer, with rounder corners. Although the same size class as the existing MNT Reform open hardware laptop, Next has been boiled down to its essential elements.

To achieve the new form factor, we swapped the signature trackball for a multitouch glass trackpad with ultra-low profile Cherry MX switches beneath custom-designed buttons.

One change is inside the case—dig into the Next’s case, and you’ll find a unique grid of screw mounts on the bottom case. We hope that these will provide people with the ability to modify the design and attach whatever they want inside the case. It’s also a nod to the Novena open hardware computer, designed by bunnie and Xobs, which blazed the trail for MNT Reform. We hope to honor and continue the legacy of Novena for many years to come. Reform Next uses this grid to mount its port boards and other components.

Long-time MNT fans might recognize a few familiar sights in Reform Next—the keyboard is our latest V4 model, complete with its improved ergonomics, upgraded Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip, raised homing keys on F and J, and spectacular RGB backlight. Press the circle key to boot the system, adjust the keyboard backlight, and cycle through key hues and saturations to get the color you want. It uses the same Kailh Choc switches as past keyboards, with either brown tactile key switches.

Plus, the keyboard is compatible with OpenRGB, in case you want to animate it or create custom lighting scenarios. And, it’s easier than ever to upcycle the keyboard module into a USB-C peripheral, with the flash of new firmware and the flick of a switch, the module can be put into a case and used externally.

A few other familiar, reliable parts have made the jump to the Reform Next. Our open hardware webcam has been adapted for internal use as an optional add-in for users who need to video conference as part of their job. Reform Next also uses the same high-quality hinges, letting the screen fold back to almost 180 degrees. It has a 1080P, 16:9 screen similar to the original Reform, but now with updated specs—better contrast, colors, and a brighter backlight to boot, but still with a matte coating, a rarity in this day and age. Other small components of note include the speaker from Pocket Reform (along with its improved audio circuitry), the USB PD firmware and code from Pocket, and the OLED from the Reform keyboard have been incorporated into Reform Next.

That’s it for this week. Expect another update next week!

— MNT Reform Next Team