Byran created a fully open-source laptop called the "Novena," featuring a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for maximum hardware customization and a transparent design philosophy. He documented the entire process, from schematic design and PCB layout to firmware development and case construction, making all resources publicly available. The project aims to empower users to understand and modify every aspect of their laptop hardware and software, offering a unique alternative to closed-source commercial devices.
Bryan, an individual driven by a desire for greater hardware control and the pursuit of a truly repairable laptop, has meticulously documented the process of building a laptop entirely from scratch. This ambitious project, dubbed the "Novena-like Laptop," draws inspiration from the open-source Novena desktop computer but reimagines it in a portable form factor. Bryan's overarching goal was to create a laptop devoid of proprietary blobs and featuring readily available components, fostering repairability and user autonomy.
The journey began with designing a custom printed circuit board (PCB) capable of housing a system-on-module (SOM) based on the Rockchip RK3399. This choice reflects a prioritization of open documentation and readily available components, facilitating future repairs and modifications. The design process encompassed careful consideration of various components, including power delivery systems, input/output ports (such as USB and HDMI), and memory modules. Bryan details the iterative nature of PCB design, highlighting the challenges encountered and the solutions implemented to address signal integrity and component placement constraints.
Beyond the PCB, the project delves into the intricacies of assembling the laptop's physical structure. Bryan opted for a 3D-printed chassis, chosen for its adaptability and customizability, allowing for adjustments and refinements throughout the build process. The chassis design incorporates mounts for the screen, keyboard, trackpad, and battery, each meticulously positioned for optimal functionality and ergonomics.
The software aspect of the project receives substantial attention, with Bryan emphasizing the use of mainline Linux, further solidifying the open-source nature of the laptop. He explains the steps involved in configuring the operating system for the chosen hardware, addressing driver compatibility and performance optimization.
The documentation painstakingly details each stage of the project, from component selection and PCB design to chassis construction and software configuration. Bryan includes numerous photographs and diagrams, providing a visually rich guide for anyone interested in replicating the project or understanding the complexities involved in building a laptop from the ground up. This meticulous documentation underscores Bryan's commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering a community around open-source hardware. While acknowledging the project's current limitations, such as suboptimal battery life, Bryan expresses enthusiasm for future improvements and invites community contributions to further refine the design and enhance its capabilities. This open invitation reflects a belief in the power of collaborative development and the potential for continued innovation within the open-source hardware ecosystem.
Summary of Comments ( 43 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42797260
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the project's ambition and documentation. Several expressed admiration for the creator's dedication to open-source hardware and the educational value of the project. Some questioned the practicality and performance compared to commercially available laptops, while others focused on the impressive feat of creating a laptop from individual components. A few comments delved into specific technical aspects, like the choice of FPGA and the potential for future improvements, such as incorporating a RISC-V processor. There was also discussion around the definition of "from scratch," acknowledging that some pre-built components were necessarily used.
The Hacker News post about an open-source laptop built from scratch generated a significant amount of discussion, with many commenters expressing interest and raising various points.
Several commenters focused on the practicality and accessibility of the project. Some questioned the "from scratch" claim, pointing out the use of pre-manufactured components like the CPU and other ICs. Others discussed the challenges of sourcing components and the significant time investment required for such a project. There was also discussion about the overall cost, with some speculating it would be considerably higher than commercially available laptops.
A recurring theme was the comparison to the Framework laptop, a commercially available modular laptop. Commenters debated the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, with some arguing that the Framework offered a more practical and readily available option for users seeking repairability and customization.
The project's open-source nature and the potential for community contributions were praised by several commenters. They saw value in the project's documentation and the possibility of others building upon it.
Some technical discussions revolved around the chosen components and design decisions. Commenters inquired about the battery life, keyboard selection, and the use of an FPGA. There was also interest in the specifics of the open-source hardware license and how it applied to the project.
Some skepticism was expressed regarding the long-term viability and support for the project. Concerns were raised about the ongoing maintenance of the software and hardware, and the availability of replacement parts.
A few commenters shared their own experiences with similar projects, offering advice and insights. They highlighted the challenges and rewards of building custom hardware.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and pragmatic concerns about the project. While acknowledging the impressive feat of building a laptop from scratch, many commenters emphasized the practical limitations and the importance of considering alternative options like the Framework laptop. The open-source nature of the project and the potential for community involvement were generally viewed positively, though concerns remained about the long-term sustainability of the project.