At first glance, the GenBook RK3588 looks like a pretty typical computer. It has a 14-inch FHD display, a fairly compact design, and a set of ports that add HDMI, USB Type A, and USB Type C. But open the chassis and find a modular computer designed to be upgradeable, serviceable, and customizable.
At the heart of the formula is a GenM5 Formula Module (SoM) with a Rockchip RK3588 processor and up to 32GB of RAM. It exists for expansion cards that bring features such as 5G connectivity. And the GenBook RK3588 is an open hardware project: developers will offer schematics, fabric invoices and other documentation. The GenBook RK3588 will soon be unveiled as part of an upcoming Crowd Supply crowdfunding campaign.
If all this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve already noticed this modular computer: it was first introduced almost a year ago, when it was known as the Cool Pi ARM Notebook or Cool Pi CM5. Lately you can buy one on AliExpress for only $350.
But according to a recent post on the Cool Pi forum, the GenBook RK3588 doesn’t just have a new name. Among other improvements, the new design includes an updated system-on-module with LPDDR5X (instead of LPDDR4X) memory, increased battery capacity, power consumption improvements, a TPM module, and more for various Linux distributions. Support for the core Linux kernel is also expected to arrive this month.
Since laptops from the Cool Pi and GenBook brands are modular, you will most likely be able to upgrade the original one by replacing the SoM, battery, and software. But as it turns out that the upgrades are modest, the GenBook RK3588 is more likely to attract new consumers than other people who already own the original.
Still, the modular design means that if Cool Pi (or a third party) were to release a new SoM with a different processor, increased memory or storage, or other features worth upgrading, you’d have that option. This helps you get rid of this computer. of the vast majority of computers released over the last three decades, most of which do not feature CPU upgrades. However, there are some notable exceptions, such as the MNT reform and the Laptop Framework. But since the GenBook RK3588 is being introduced via crowdfunding, it’s probably safer to think of it as a small-scale project, closer to MNT’s product line than Framework’s.
Still, it is a quite attractive platform. The GenM5 SoM will be available with 8GB or 32GB of RAM and has 64GB of onboard eMMC storage. There’s also an ES8336 DAC (digital-to-analog audio converter), a PCI Express-style cellular interface for connecting to the computer’s motherboard.
Other features include a PCIe 3. 0 x4 interface with an M. 2 2280 solid-state drive, a user-replaceable Realtek RTL8852BE WiFi 6/Bluetooth 5. 2 wireless card, a 38 Wh battery, 1. 2-watt stereo speakers, and a webcam that It can be physically disconnected by activating a switch and a set of ports that come with:
There’s a 50-pin FPC connector that supports PCIe 2. 0 x1, USB 3. 0, or SATA 3. 0 connections (you can use two of 3 at the same time), Gigabit Ethernet, SDMMC 3. 0, up to two additional USB 2. 0 host interfaces, and UART. SPI, I2C and GPIO pins.
Cool Pi says its optional 5G WWAN expansion card connects this FPC interface to the motherboard, and the company is “looking at other cards to incorporate PCIe, low-speed encryption chips, or an FPGA. “
The GenBook RK3588 measures 323 x 220 x 20 mm (12. 7″ x 8. 7″ x 0. 8″) and weighs 1. 5 kg (3. 3 lb).
Cool Pi says Debian 11 is the default operating system, but the computer also deserves other Linux-based operating systems, adding Ubuntu and Armbian, as well as Android 14.
via hacker news
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If I’m wrong, it uses the same chassis as the PineBook Pro and various x86 laptops with random logos and Celeron SoCs. This is a popular design that rivals the old Macbook Air in terms of thinness and weight.
And what about stains? TF-A happens to have fonts, but I’m guessing DDR, Wifi/BT, and GPU initialization need blobs. other?
How will the refreshing look be. . . ?
Something like this with a smart keyboard, smart battery life, and quiet operation would be a good choice for a natural typewriter. I have no idea how smart the keyboard is, but I’m sure it’s quiet and I suspect it has a smart keyboard. battery duration. I don’t know if I’d spend $350 on this, but at least it’s a niche for it.
Do you make laptops with cylindrical plug force ports?
Unfortunately, that was also my first thought. If there was USB Type-C charging, I would have bought one.
Useless ARM processor, crappy Chinese design, 1080p gate resolution. If I pass.
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