2-in-1 Conversion

[anernest]

I've had this linux laptop for a while, and it has turned into my daily driver in addition to being invaluable for edge-device development on-the-go.

I'd be interested in any thoughts on adapting it into a 2-in-1 platform, similar to my aging Dell Latitude 7390 2-in-1 it's replaced. Some minimum adaptations:

1. Change current screen to touch screen
2. Replace shell or hinge to allow for full 360 rotation into tablet mode
3. Upgrade to Motherboard to allow for an additional M.2 port for internal 5G Modem.

If there are any others as intrigued by the potential of this device as I am, I would be interested in sharing the development cost of such a unit, if there is a capable maker willing to take it on, and as long as as at the end of the day the total cost to me does not break my bank, incurr the wrath of my wife, and results in a functional unit at a marketable cost.

[enok71]

@anernest I also apreciate this laptop, although I have no need at all for touch screen, 5G modem or tablet mode. Would be more interested in

• Better camera
• USB-charger compatibility
• Keyboard backlight
• Scandinavian keyboard layout option
• Fingerprint reader (looks like there is already an input for this on the current board)
• And why not a TPM or security chip option?
• Perhaps an NFC reader option?

[jack_admin]

@enok71 What's the budget price?

[enok71]

@jack_admin I believe there can be different variants with different price tags. The top model could be e.g. at least double your current price. If the features appeal to technology aware consumers in west I think they have no problem paying for it.

Imagine a 1440p camera showing showing crystal clear streaming video in "Teams", with the hardware accelerated video drivers doing their job so that the fan remains quiet. That would be a laptop to pay for. Colleagues would ask "what laptop is that??". It would advertise itself.

A high quality keyboard is also a very important fundamental requirement for buyers with budget. I personally think backlight should be mandatory. And international keyboard laptops are impossible to sell in Scandinavia.

The security related features I mentioned (fingerprint reader, security chip, NFC reader) are more "nice to have" things, but would give the laptop a security edge, and everyone ask for (and will pay for) improved IT security these days. Make sure "secure boot" is implemented and working if going that path. Linux and open source software is preferred before Windows for security aware users and you already have that.

These are my thoughts. Of course I know very little about e.g. Chinese customer needs or wishes.

[anernest]

@jack_admin @enok71 Great thoughts. What comes to mind the is the Framework (https://frame.work) concept. A modular design that allows folks to mix-and-match components. This already somewhat achievable as long as you are somewhat handy with a 3d printer and a soldering iron, and @george has been very amenable to helping folks through the pitfalls of adapting one-off solutions. Some possibly minor changes to the core design might open this laptop to a wider market, especially in the EU & US, for those, like me, who are not quite as handy with a soldering iron as they think they are - allowing for both "maker" level adaptations and consumer-grade mix-n-match.

[george]

@enok71
1.The touch screen is currently supported and requires replacement of the ribbon cable and LCD.
2.The TYPEC port charging function can be supported in future versions, which will involve modifications to the motherboard.
3.The backlight keyboard needs to be customized, and the motherboard already has integrated circuit interfaces.
4.Fingerprints can be extended using USB or SPI interfaces, NFC can also be extended through I2c interfaces, and the motherboard has reserved FPC connectors for expansion.

[anernest]

@george How would I go about upgrading to a touchscreen? Can I purchase the parts somewhere and replace them myself?

[george]

@anernest
The currently debugged LCD models are shown in the attachment. The github code has been supported by default. The replacement steps are as follows:

1. Replace the LCD screen with a touchscreen model
2. Replace the ribbon cable
3. It is necessary to add a touch screen level conversion board
   B8 NB Product Spec-NV140FHM-T07-2021.03.03(2).pdf