Purism Launches a Mini PC
The makers of the Librem line of Linux-based laptops have released a mini PC.
For anyone looking to deploy small form factor PCs, and are wanting them powered by Linux, Purism might have what you're looking for. The Librem Mini is a tiny device that packs plenty of features. The form factor is smaller than a Mac Mini, bigger than a Raspberry Pi, and includes everything you need to work with Linux.
The specs for the device are:
- CPU - Quad-Core i7 (Whiskey Lake) with 4 cores, 8 threads, and up to 4.6GHz.
- RAM - Up to 64GB
- Storage - 250GB SATA M.2
- Graphics - Intel UHD 620
- Networking - Gigabit ethernet (with optional WiFi)
On the front of the device you'll find a power button, a headphone jack, and 4 USB 3.0 ports. On the back of the device, you'll find a standard ethernet jack, two USB 2.0 ports, one USB-C port, a 4K HDMI 2.0 port, and a Display port.
Inside, however, is where the Librem Mini shines. Purism has boosted security by disabling and neutralizing the Intel Management Engine, using Coreboot-based OSS firmware and boot process validation (with the help of PureBoot and a Librem Key), and (of course) the Librem version of Linux, Pure OS.
The cost of the Librem Mini starts at $699.00 for the 8GB model, but can be specc'd out to nearly $3,000.00. When the units were listed, Purism said they wouldn't ship until they received $50,000.00 worth of pre-orders. That goal was met on April 5, 2020, so the units are now available for shipping from the Purism Store.
Issue 252/2021
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