Modern Linux Laptops with Coreboot Firmware From System76

Are you looking for modern Linux laptops with coreboot? The wait is over. Coreboot is a free and open-source software. The coreboot project aimed at replacing the proprietary BIOS firmware and blobs. System76 recently announced two Intel laptops with Coreboot, which as an alternative to proprietary BIOS. These laptops are using Intel 10th Gen CPUs.



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Modern Linux Laptops with Coreboot for Linux Enthusiast

Currently, I am using x200 with coreboot. However, the hardware is way too old and outdated. System76 is a Linux computer maker, and they will begin shipping two of their modern laptops with coreboot. Until today, System76 laptop bios was not freed. However, the coreboot port for the newer devices is done. It means you can have Coreboot running on a full-fledged modern laptop that respects your privacy and freedom.



System76 open firmware is coming!

From the product page:

Get open source firmware powered by Coreboot for a secure boot that’s 29% faster. Pre-order now for exclusive first access. Orders ship the last week of October.

Modern Galago Pro and Darter Pro Linux Laptops Config

The specs are as follows for modern laptops with coreboot firmware from System76:

Config Galago Pro Darter Pro CPU 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U or i7-10510U 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U or i7-10510U GPU Intel UHD Graphics Intel UHD Graphics Display 14.1″ 1920×1080 Matte FHD 15.6″ 1920×1080 Matte FHD RAM Up to 32GB Dual Channel DDR4 @ 2666 MHz Up to 32 GB Dual Channel DDR4 @ 2666 MHz Storage M.2 SSD, 2.5″ 7mm height drive. Up to 6TB total M.2 SATA or PCIe NVMe SSD. Up to 2 TB total Expansion USB 3.1 Type-C with Thunderbolt 3, 2 × USB 3.1 Type-A, SD Card Reader USB 3.1 Type-C with Thunderbolt 3, 2 × USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0, SD Card Reader Networking Gigabit Ethernet, Intel Wireless-AC, Bluetooth 5 Gigabit Ethernet, Intel Wireless-AC, Bluetooth 5 Video Ports HDMI, MiniDP HDMI, MiniDP Audio Stereo Speakers, Mic, Headphone & Mic Jack Stereo Speakers, Mic, Headphone & Mic Jack Camera 720p HD Webcam 720p HD Webcam OS Pop!_OS 19.10/18.04 LTS

Ubuntu 18.04 LTS Pop!_OS 19.10/18.04 LTS

Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (64-bit) Open Source System 76 coreboot/EDK2 firmware Yes Yes Security Disabled Intel ME

Kensington Lock Disabled Intel ME

Kensington Lock Battery Li-Ion – 35.3 Wh Li-Ion – 54.5 Wh Charger 40 W, AC-in 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz 65 W, AC-in 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz Weight Starting from 1.3 kg/2.87 lbs Starting from 1.6 kg/3.6 lbs Price Starting from US $949 Starting from US $999 Shipping Ships to 60 countries Ships to 60 countries

The only drawback is they don’t ship laptops everywhere due to customs and legal issues. Not their fault, in any case. Some counties have stricter laws regarding importing computer systems.

Is it a 100% open source without any binary blobs?

Coreboot itself is opensource; however, Intel CPU depends upon the binary blobs for modern Linux laptops. The good news is Intel ME is removed or disabled permanently on newer Linux models from System76. I think it is a step in the right direction despite few binary blobs (e.g. FSP), and I hope someday will get pure open-source firmware for modern Linux laptop.

Conclusion

For a long time, I recommended Thinkpads, but now I can recommend modern Linux Laptops with Coreboot firmware from System76. Both systems available for pre-order here. See our previous posts: