Purism Librem Mini: A Privacy-Focused Linux-Based Mini PC

Purism Librem Mini: A Privacy-Focused Linux-Based Mini PC

Purism has launched a compact mini personal computer called “Librem Mini”, designed to provide privacy and security. Let’s take a look at its details.

— Ankush Das

Purism has launched a compact mini personal computer called “Librem Mini”, designed to provide privacy and security. Let’s take a look at its details.

Purism is known for its services or products focused on enhancing users’ digital privacy and security.

Purism describes itself as a “Social Purpose Company“, aiming to benefit society and providing various services and products in this regard.

You may have heard of its Librem series Linux laptops, Librem One (encrypted services), PureOS Linux, and the Librem 5 Linux smartphone. Now, they have launched a compact mini personal computer for users who want to take control of their privacy and security.

Librem Mini: Purism’s Mini PC

Purism’s Librem Mini aims to be a small, lightweight, and powerful mini personal computer.

Of course, there are already many Linux-based mini personal computers, but the Librem Mini specifically focuses on the privacy and security of its users. It comes with PureOS, Pureboot, and Librem Key support.

The base configuration will be offered at a price of $699. This is more expensive than most other mini personal computers. However, unlike most other products, the Librem Mini is not just another Intel NUC. So, what does it offer?

Specifications of the Librem Mini

Purism Librem Mini: A Privacy-Focused Linux-Based Mini PC

Here are its specifications:

◈ Intel Core i7-8565U (Whiskey Lake), active (fan) cooling, 4 cores 8 threads with a maximum frequency of 4.6GHz
◈ Intel UHD Graphics 620
◈ RAM: Up to 64 GB DDR4 2400 MHz (2 SO-DIMM slots)
◈ 1 SATA III 6GB/s SSD/HDD (7mm)
◈ 1 M.2 SSD (SATA III/NVMe x4)
◈ 1 HDMI 2.0 4K @ 60Hz
◈ 1 DisplayPort 1.2 4K @ 60Hz
◈ 4 x USB 3.0
◈ 2 x USB 2.0
◈ 1 x Type-C 3.1
◈ 3.5mm audio jack (combined microphone input and headphone jack)
◈ 1 RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
◈ WiFi 802.11n (2.4/5.0 GHz), optional Atheros ATH9k module
◈ Bluetooth 4.0 included in the WiFi module (optional)
◈ Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
◈ Dimensions: 12.8 cm (5.0 inches) x 12.8 cm (5.0 inches) x 3.8 cm (1.5 inches)

I don’t know why they decided to use Intel’s 8th generation processor when 10th generation processors are already available in the market. Perhaps because Whiskey Lake is the latest product of the 8th generation processors.

Yes, they have disabled and terminated Intel’s management engine, so this product can still be adopted.

Besides, you should remember that this mini personal computer has the capability to detect hardware and software tampering while providing full disk encryption.

And of course, it runs on Linux.

Pricing and Availability

Purism Librem Mini: A Privacy-Focused Linux-Based Mini PC

Librem Mini from the back

The base configuration with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD will cost $699. And if you want the most powerful configuration, the price easily rises to $3000.

Their pre-order sales target is $50,000, and they plan to start shipping within a month after reaching the target.

So, if you are to pre-order now, don’t expect it to ship soon. Therefore, I recommend keeping an eye on the pre-order target on the Librem Mini product page.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a mini personal computer (not specifically designed for privacy and security), you can check our list of the best Linux-based mini personal computers for more suggestions.

For the average consumer, the Librem Mini definitely sounds expensive. For privacy enthusiasts, it is still a good option.

What do you think? Let me know your thoughts!

via: https://itsfoss.com/purism-librem-mini/

Author: Ankush Das, Editor: lujun9972, Translator: wxy, Proofreader: wxy

This article is an original translation by LCTT, proudly presented by Linux China.

Purism Librem Mini: A Privacy-Focused Linux-Based Mini PC

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