MNT Reform Next Ecosystem & Beginner Inquiry

MNT Reform
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MNT Reform Next Webcam Module:
Is the webcam also with embedded microphone?

I use my laptop for work, so taking video calls isn’t uncommon for me.

Also, is the overall install process for that user friendly, or will I need SMD soldering skills/equipment?

MNT Reform (Next) Firmwares:
Currently are the firmware distributed via LVFS?

Is there interest in doing so if not already?

MNT Reform Next RKCore:
I can’t seem to find good data for whole-system or even just board TDP/wattage for the RKCore… Any idea where that sits?

I know it is impossible to even napkin-math how many hours a person might get since everyone’s workload and preferences vary so significantly, but at least with wattage I can sort of compare to my existing setup.

UEFI via EDK2:
I have been reading about this here, but in layperson terms, what does this mean?

For my case, I would want to run Alpine Linux without needing kernel and devicetree hacks. I do note a few folks here have mentioned using Alpine, so that is encouraging, but aside from a RaspberryPi 1B, I do not have experience working with ARM platforms and the vagaries thereof.

Thanks!

I am blown away by the whole MNT Reform ecosystem and hope it could be a good fit for me.

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I think your post might be a bit premature as the preorder process has not begun yet. When that commences the firm will typically put out a pretty comprehensive specification for the unit that will answer most of your questions.

Even then there will be a considerable time to manufacture and distribute.

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Thanks for the reply.

Understood that I am early on asking, but that is a necessity in order to decide if I am saving up for this unit or getting something entirely different now for cheaper.

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If your current solution is not fit for purpose, it will be a long wait until the Next is ready. As a new model there may be some snagging to sort out for the first recipients.

In which case, will the current Reform or Pocket model meet your needs? The Next is, essentially a repackaging the same formula as Classic or Pocket models. There will of course be refinements because it is the next generation, but won’t be a paradigm shift. The current generation can be ordered with the same RK3588 processor module that will go in the Next, so are equally capable.

If your current solution is adequate and you can afford the time to wait for the Next, nothing to stop you saving up whilst you see whether it is the right machine for you.

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Thanks again for the reply.

I would still appreciate any further information that addresses my questions above, if anyone else has any insight.

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Hi, I think the person who can help you most would be @minute – maybe they happen to have some spare cycles for this. :slightly_smiling_face:

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minute is pretty active on their mastodon if your looking for a more immediate answer to these questions.

“There’s no forum signatures on this site so I’ll do it myself”
- 𝚋⃥̸⃝ 𝚘⃥̸⃝ 𝚡⃥̸⃝ 𝚢⃥̸⃝

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Ah, yeah, I asked there initially but got no reply so figured asking here was more appopriate.

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Looks like this is underway!

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Now that the MNT Reform Next is a bit more finalized, does anyone have any numbers of TDP of the chip/platform?

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I tried asking @minute on Mastodon but he never replied. Very interested in this information as well.

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RK3588 is fairly well documented if you had any questions about it (there are datasheets out there to read, plenty of devices use it now).

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I know all I need to know about the RK3588. My only question pertains to the TDP. What wattage it can sustain will be unique to this particular device and the efficiency of its passive cooling solution. I cannot obtain this information from a datasheet or other manufacturers, and it is important information to anticipate the performance and see if it will fit my needs.

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My only question pertains to the TDP. What wattage it can sustain will be unique to this particular device and the efficiency of its passive cooling solution.

The problem is that manufacturers do not measure TDP or “watts” the same way, making it impossible to know just from the number if the heat output is well-managed by a heatsink of the same “rating”—or even how efficient it is compared to competing products in a similar class. Rockchip doesn’t even give a TDP figure in its datasheet, only citing max T-junction.

It seems like you don’t want an ambiguous spec—you want to know how much the processor throttles under load given the heat management properties of Reform Next’s chassis. Is this correct?

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Yes indeed, this is correct