Look ma, no Intel Management Engine: Purism lifts lid on the Librem Mini, a privacy-focused micro PC
(2020/03/19)
- Reference: 1584612004
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2020/03/19/purism_librem_mini_a_privacyfocused_micro_pc/
- Source link:
Purism has dropped the veil on the latest computer in its privacy-focused lineup – a small form-factor PC designed for space-conscious free software enthusiasts.
Available to pre-order now, the Librem Mini packs an eighth-generation, quad-core Whiskey Lake i7-8565U processor, modified with Purism’s Pureboot technology. At its heart, this aims to minimise any potential third-party interference with the operation of the computer – particularly during the boot phase, where it is potentially vulnerable.
It accomplishes this by thoroughly excising the Intel Management Engine, which Purism regards as an untrustworthy black-box baked into the heart of the processor, along with other software-level approaches. These include the use of the free software Coreboot BIOS, as well as the Purism-developed Heads, which aims to identify potential tampering within the BIOS, Kernel, and GRUB config.
In terms of expansibility, the machine packs a SATA and M.2 slot, and comes with two SODIMM slots, which can be filled with up to 64GB of RAM. There’s no dedicated graphics to speak of, but it does include Intel’s UHD 640 integrated graphics. Aside from a smattering of USB-A and USB-C slots, the Librem Mini also includes both Display and HDMI slots.
Wanna exorcise Intel's secretive hidden CPU from your hardware? Meet Purism's laptops [1]READ MORE
There’s also a standard RJ45 Ethernet slot – although you can add WiFi and Bluetooth via an optional Atheros ATH9k jack.
The Librem Mini has a small footprint, measuring just 5 inches across and weighing just 1kg – which is lighter than many laptops.
This machine is the latest in a growing lineup of machines that cater to the privacy-centric punter, including the Librem 13 and 15 laptops. Purism is also in the process of developing a smartphone platform to run on its own Linux-based PureOS operating system, and a baseband fully separate from the CPU. The firm has raised $2 million via crowdfunding for this effort and is expected to ship the first units later this year.
Pre-orders for the Librem Mini are open now. Retailing at $699, the base model packs 8GB of RAM and 256GB of NVMe storage. Units will ship one month after the firm has reached its (relatively modest) $50,000 pre-order goal.
Purism touts the [2]Librem Mini as a potential mini-desktop or media server, although El Reg feels the use-case isn’t really as relevant as the potential customer. Greater awareness of privacy – and the way it’s gradually being eroded – has created an appetite for such devices, as demonstrated by Purism’s previous crowdfunding accomplishments. And if you want to excise a greater control over how you use your computer, this machine will undoubtedly appeal to you. ®
[1] https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/10/21/purism_cleanses_laptops_of_intel_management_engine/
[2] https://shop.puri.sm/shop/librem-mini/
Available to pre-order now, the Librem Mini packs an eighth-generation, quad-core Whiskey Lake i7-8565U processor, modified with Purism’s Pureboot technology. At its heart, this aims to minimise any potential third-party interference with the operation of the computer – particularly during the boot phase, where it is potentially vulnerable.
It accomplishes this by thoroughly excising the Intel Management Engine, which Purism regards as an untrustworthy black-box baked into the heart of the processor, along with other software-level approaches. These include the use of the free software Coreboot BIOS, as well as the Purism-developed Heads, which aims to identify potential tampering within the BIOS, Kernel, and GRUB config.
In terms of expansibility, the machine packs a SATA and M.2 slot, and comes with two SODIMM slots, which can be filled with up to 64GB of RAM. There’s no dedicated graphics to speak of, but it does include Intel’s UHD 640 integrated graphics. Aside from a smattering of USB-A and USB-C slots, the Librem Mini also includes both Display and HDMI slots.
Wanna exorcise Intel's secretive hidden CPU from your hardware? Meet Purism's laptops [1]READ MORE
There’s also a standard RJ45 Ethernet slot – although you can add WiFi and Bluetooth via an optional Atheros ATH9k jack.
The Librem Mini has a small footprint, measuring just 5 inches across and weighing just 1kg – which is lighter than many laptops.
This machine is the latest in a growing lineup of machines that cater to the privacy-centric punter, including the Librem 13 and 15 laptops. Purism is also in the process of developing a smartphone platform to run on its own Linux-based PureOS operating system, and a baseband fully separate from the CPU. The firm has raised $2 million via crowdfunding for this effort and is expected to ship the first units later this year.
Pre-orders for the Librem Mini are open now. Retailing at $699, the base model packs 8GB of RAM and 256GB of NVMe storage. Units will ship one month after the firm has reached its (relatively modest) $50,000 pre-order goal.
Purism touts the [2]Librem Mini as a potential mini-desktop or media server, although El Reg feels the use-case isn’t really as relevant as the potential customer. Greater awareness of privacy – and the way it’s gradually being eroded – has created an appetite for such devices, as demonstrated by Purism’s previous crowdfunding accomplishments. And if you want to excise a greater control over how you use your computer, this machine will undoubtedly appeal to you. ®
[1] https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/10/21/purism_cleanses_laptops_of_intel_management_engine/
[2] https://shop.puri.sm/shop/librem-mini/
If they are touting security ...
Anonymous Coward
... then they would have been better going with AMD rather than intel
Re: If they are touting security ...
deive
I really want one, but I will not buy intel :-(
People have been asking for a while, interesting discussions around the different trust platforms being a fairly valid reason why they haven't https://forums.puri.sm/t/should-the-next-librem-be-amd-based/3010
They do now have an ARM device, so maybe they will consider some more machines based on that instead?
Checked out their site, looks good
And I have to admit that, one, I like their approach to my security and, two, I like the [1]Librem 15 laptop a lot. Its aspect, the fact that ruggedness and reliability is repeatedly mentioned, and the specs are nothing to sneeze at either. The $1400 price tag is surprisingly acceptable for the quality and specs that are put forth, at least in my opinion. I was expecting a larger price tag then that.
Unfortunately, I have no use for PureOS at this point in time. Still stuck with Windows until I retire. I hope they'll still be around by then.
[1] https://puri.sm/products/librem-15/