MNT December 2025 + January 2026 Update
Two months have passed since our last update, so what's been cooking? Short answer: Quasar, Desktop Reform, Barebox an Pocket Reform. Long answer:
MNT Developments and Updates
MNT Quasar Processor Module
We've been talking about the bringup of the MNT Quasar Processor Module (with Qualcomm Snapdragon QCS6490) in our previous updates and Lucie's been working together with Casey from Linaro on a second Quasar module featuring the Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS8550. The two modules share the same PCB design and have a mostly compatible pin layout which is very convenient in terms of efficiency regarding development time. The QCS8550 project is still in its early stages, but Lucie already got DisplayPort output working:
This module is astonishingly fast, not only with video but also with 3D modelling in Blender:
Our focus is still on finishing up the Quasar QCS6490 first but these are exciting prospects for future module variants.
MNT Desktop Reform
Current state of MNT Desktop Reform:
The front panel is a PCB with an ATtiny controller on the back that can receive commands from the CPU via the reform2-lpc driver. Lucie wrote a small Python service that shows the CPU and disk activity on four of the ten LEDs. Each LED has ten levels of (PWM) brightness.
The MNT Desktop Reform is designed to serve as a desktop computer (housing your current or previous MNT Mainboard) but it can equally be used as a server or a wall-mounted router. That's why there are multiple mounting holes on the back:
Since the aluminum case serves as a heatsink, the device doesn't need a fan and is completely silent. (BTW this is true for all of our devices) Coming to our online shop soon!
MNT Reform Next
We're currently ordering more parts needed to make the very first batch of MNT Reform Next laptops for Crowd Supply. It will still be some time but our current goal is to sent out the first batch in April 2026.
MNT Pocket Reform Keyboard V2
We hired Gus Workman to help us out with designing version 2.0 of our ortholinear MNT Pocket Reform Keyboard. The main change was that the RP2040 microcontroller was upgraded to RP2350. Lucie tested the keyboard and it works:
It's possible to convert the keyboard to a standalone version (with built-in automatic 5v->3v3 converter). Ana is currently working on an aluminum case for a new standalone version. This can be either wired (USB-C) or Bluetooth, with its own built-in battery charger.
Barebox on MNT Pocket Reform
Over December and January, Daniel has been working on getting the display panel of Pocket Reform working in the barebox bootloader by porting MIPI-DSI drivers for RK3588 from the Linux kernel. An intricate task that took time, but we're excited to report: He succeeded! Lucie then coded a USB HID keyboard driver as the existing driver only supports boot protocol. The result is the first graphical, interactive bootloader on MNT Pocket Reform with RK3588:
Barebox allows you to interrupt the system boot process by pressing a key. You then have several new options:
- opening a boot menu that allows you to choose a previous kernel version if a later one doesn't work properly
- changing kernel options
- an interactive shell that gives you the option to inspect or repair the system.
This graphical bootloader will also come to MNT Reform (Classic) with RK3588 and MNT Reform Next.
RAM and SSD Shortage
Since it's hard to come by RAM at the moment, we had to remove all 32GB RAM options from our shop. Everyone who ordered it will still get it though, including people who bought MNT Reform Next and RCORE on Crowd Supply. 16GB is the only remaining option, but we've been exploring multiple processor modules and can hopefully offer some more affordable ones soon.
SSDs are equally hard to come by in an affordable way, so we had to increase the prices for 1TB and 2TB for now.
We're working closely with our suppliers and hope the situation will improve soon.
Order Fulfillment Table
We updated the order fulfillment table for you to track our progress on your orders:
| Product | Order Placement Date (Range) | Estimated Shipment Date | Delays / Roadblocks | Notes (includes configuration X) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MNT Reform | ordered until 2025-09-10 | February 2026 | currently in QA (most orders shipped) | |
| MNT Pocket Reform | ordered until 2025-09-10 | February 2026 | currently in QA (most orders shipped) | |
| MNT Reform | ordered after 2025-09-10 | 4-5 months after order date | ||
| MNT Pocket Reform | ordered after 2025-09-10 | 4-5 months after order date | Keyboard and Motherboard V2 Update | |
| RK3588 upgrades for MNT Pocket Reform and MNT Reform | ordered after 2025-09-10 | 4-5 months after order date | ||
| ZZ9000 | any | 2 months after order date | small redesign because of different manufacturer | currently ordering parts |
| ZZ9000AX | any | 2 months after order date | currently in production | |
| HALO-90 Earrings (any color) | any | 2 months after order date | in stock | |
| Keyboard (purple case) | any | 3-4 months after order date | currently ordering parts | |
| Keyboard (black case) | any | 2 months after order date | currently in production | |
| Other items | any | 1-3 months after order date |
Table last updated: 2026-02-02
You can also access this table on our FAQ page and in our support system under the category My Order. We aim to update it at least once a month. Note that we have no information about orders placed on Crowd Supply and Mouser. Please contact their customer support if you need information.
New Products
MNT Pocket Reform Operator Handbook 2nd Edition
Lucie and Anri finished the 2nd edition of the MNT Pocket Reform Operator Handbook with a bunch of major updates, including GNOME in the Desktops chapter (instead of Wayfire), more clear "Standby Power Switch" explanation, updated firmware update instructions, debug UART table corrections, Charger Module V2 schematics, and more.
Note: If you ordered the 1st edition of the Operator Handbook and your order hasn't been shipped yet, it will automatically be updated to the 2nd Edition.
Community Contributions
Reform-tools 1.83
In January, Josch announced reform-tools 1.83 in our MNT Community Forum. It's a big one and we recommend reading it if you're using one (or more) of our laptops.
Custom Split Keyboard for MNT Reform
A fork of the MNT Reform laptop keyboard is now available on Codeberg, submitted by funnes.
Wi-Fi Adapter Board for MNT Reform
Leifhelm's designed a Wi-Fi adapter board for the MNT Reform (Classic) featuring a USB hub:
The above image shows the second version of the adapter which is still in development (and untested). Check out the repo for technical details.
Events
39C3 Recap
It's been a month since 39C3 and we gotta say: It's been the busiest congress for MNT so far. A vast amount of people—friends, acquaintances, supporters, newcomers—came to our assembly and we were grateful to see so many open hardware enthusiasts being interested in what we do. Especially our latest MNT touch prototype (running GNOME Shell) got a lot of love:
So, a big thank you is in order! Knowing you're excited for this new device gives us even more motivation to plan another crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply at the end of the year. More on this in a few months!
Thanks for reading this update and see you on here in one month or (nearly) daily on the Fediverse!