Help with buying an MNT Pocket Reform

[bmp]

Hello, I would like to buy an MNT Pocket Reform for portable/field usage. Here are my considerations:

1. My usage would largely be note-taking, writing, attending meetings, fairly light computation tasks, and the rest can be managed through SSH when I’m in the field.
2. I would need about 6 hours of battery usage before trying to charge it (A variation was posted on Bharath M. Palavalli: "Any #MNT #PocketReform users here? I'd like to kn…" - Mastodon @ SDF and @josch has replied with a link to the thread.) I am searching for the batteries mentioned in the thread to buy
3. Decent n/w connectivity (which it has).
4. I am worried about the need to carry an additional webcam and mic. In the previously referenced toot, josch mentions a webcam and mic, I figured I might as well use my phone as the webcam/mic for meetings if possible or possibly find a small one that I can carry.
5. I am fairly comfortable with Linux and am typing this on Fedora 43 on a Framework Laptop 13 11th Gen and am comfortable with minor soldering, etc.

I have a few questions about buying the Pocket Reform (apologies, I have read the FAQ and the guides, but I might have missed the information in them) as well,

1. I have never used ARM architecture as a daily driver (I do self host some small services at home on an RPi), are there substantive differences between the RK3588/16GB 128GB option and the RK3588/32GB 256GB given my use case and the price difference of 250 Euros?
2. Does either of the options come with the MNT Pocket Reform Headset/Switch Board 2.0 included or would I have to buy it?
3. Similarly, is the MNT Pocket Reform Battery Holders a new version than the one supplied with the base version in the MNT Shop? Does it make a big enough difference for me to use (I will be carrying it to the field) in case it is not already part of the newer Pocket?
4. Also, does the either version come with MNT Pocket Reform Charger Board V2 or do I have to buy it?

Are there any Pocket Reform or Reform users from India that are active here? Would love to see it in action too.

[josch]

Hi @bmp, welcome to the forum!

@bmp

I have never used ARM architecture as a daily driver (I do self host some small services at home on an RPi), are there substantive differences between the RK3588/16GB 128GB option and the RK3588/32GB 256GB given my use case and the price difference of 250 Euros?

The only substantial difference is the amount of RAM and the size of the eMMC. I have the 16 GB version which is more than enough for me.

@bmp

Does either of the options come with the MNT Pocket Reform Headset/Switch Board 2.0 included or would I have to buy it?

New orders come with the Headset/Switch Board V2 included. The old board is discontinued.

@bmp

Similarly, is the MNT Pocket Reform Battery Holders a new version than the one supplied with the base version in the MNT Shop? Does it make a big enough difference for me to use (I will be carrying it to the field) in case it is not already part of the newer Pocket?

What is the “MNT Pocket Reform Battery Holders”?

@bmp

Also, does the either version come with MNT Pocket Reform Charger Board V2 or do I have to buy it?

The old charging board is discontinued. New orders come with the new charger board.

[bmp]

@josch Thanks, this helps with making a decision.

@josch

What is the “MNT Pocket Reform Battery Holders”?

I was referring to MNT Pocket Reform Battery Holders - MNT Research Shop

[josch]

That is just a replacement part. New orders of the Pocket Reform come with that part and you’d only need a replacement in case the old one breaks. But if you have a 3D printer you could also print your own. (remember the design is open hardware)

[bmp]

@josch Thanks again!