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Pinebook vs MNT Reform

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When comparing Pinebook vs MNT Reform, the Slant community recommends MNT Reform for most people. In the question“What are the best Notebooks based on ARM processors?” MNT Reform is ranked 2nd while Pinebook is ranked 4th.

Specs

ProcessorAllwinner A64

RAM2GB

ProcessorNXP i.MX8M 1.5 GHz Quad-core

RAM4GB

ConstructionCNC aluminum, anodized black with clear acrylic bottom panel

Display1920x1080 IPS, 128 x 32 system control OLED in keyboard

Expandable storageInternal M.2 NVMe x 1

Keyboard Backlit, mechanical with Kailh Choc Brown switches

MouseTrackball or trackpad

Operating systemDebian GNU/Linux with Sway, GNOME, or Window Maker

PCIeMini PCIe 2.0 socket

PortsUSB 3.0 x 3 (Type-A), Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), SD Card, HDMI, 3.5 mm TRRS Headset Jack

Power source24v AC barrel jack, LiFePO4 18650 type cell x 8

Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking

Common Questions

What are the best Notebooks based on ARM processors?

Pinebook

MNT Reform

Pros

Pro
Almost complete mainline linux support

Pro
Very low price

Pro
Many Linux flavours available and maintained

Archlinux, Manjaro, Debian, Armbian, Ubuntu, DietPi, NetBSD, Q4OS, AOSC ..

Pro
Based on the PINE64 SBC

No custom made solution and reasonably well supported by the community.

Pro
Great 1920 x 1080 Display

Non-glossy sharp display

Pro
Almost all components open source

Pro
Trackball

Pro
Mechanical keyboard

Ad
Cons

Con
2GB RAM max

Not extendable.

Con
High price-to-performance ratio

Con
NVME expansion is slow as molasses

NVME slot operates at PCI-E 1.0 1x speeds. That's slower than a SATA drive.

Con
Not Open Source

Nonfree firmware baked into SOC chip set, so no non-free firmware in software stack. Unable to be updated.

Con
Discharges even when turned off

Battery circuit discharges batteries even when laptop turned off. Causing dead batteries after leaving it off for 2 weeks.

Alternative Products

PineBook Pro

MacBook Air ARM 2020

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Pinebook vs MNT Reform

Specs

Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking

Pros

Pro Almost complete mainline linux support

Pro Very low price

Pro Many Linux flavours available and maintained

Pro Based on the PINE64 SBC

Pro Great 1920 x 1080 Display

Pro Almost all components open source

Pro Trackball

Pro Mechanical keyboard

AdCons

Con 2GB RAM max

Con High price-to-performance ratio

Con NVME expansion is slow as molasses

Con Not Open Source

Con Discharges even when turned off