System76 releases two new Comet-Lake-powered laptops with Linux Coreboot firmware
OEMs have already announced a bunch of Intel 10th gen CPU upgrades for the most popular Windows-based laptop series, but what about Linux-based ones? System76 has us covered with two 14 and 15-inch models sporting mid-range to premium Comet Lake configurations, and, as an added bonus, these systems feature the highly tunable Coreboot open source firmware.
The 14-inch model is part of the Galago Pro family, while the 15-incher joins the Darter Pro series. Both models can be configured with mid-range specs comprising an Intel Core I5-10210U CPU coupled with 8 GB of RAM and a 240 GB M.2 SSD, along with a 1080p matte display. If budget is not a problem, users can further max out the specs to include a quad-core i7-10510U, up to 32 GB of RAM and up to 6 TB of SSD+HDD storage. Standard features for both models also include a GbE NIC with jack, dual-band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0, a Thunderbolt 3 port, USB-A 3.0 ports, MiniDisplayPort and HDMI outs, and an SD card reader.
Notable differences between the two models beyond the obvious display size difference include:
- Total weight: 2.9 pounds (14-inch) VS 3.6 pounds (15.6-inch)
- Battery capacity: 35.3 Wh (14-inch) VS 54.5 Wh (15.6-inch)
- Storage options: M.2 slot + HDD -> 6 TB total (14-inch) VS M.2 slot -> 2 TB total (15.6-inch)
- Keyboard: no numpad (14-inch) VS numpad (15.6-inch)
Prices for the 14-incher start at $US949, while the 15-incher starts at US$999, and both fully maxed version can set you back in excess of US$2,000 (almost US$3,000 for the double storage 14-incher). System76 will begin shipping the new laptops in late October running either Ubuntu or the proprietary Pop!_OS.
