MNT Pocket Reform
Back in 2017 I started to search for the perfect UMPC. My main requirements were that it had a full keyboard, was small and could run Linux, mainly as a thing for SSHing into other things, and running Emacs. I was tempted by the GPD Pocket PC, but the lack of 3G put me off a bit - while I'm sort of glad I didn't go down that route, I think my objection to not having a WLAN module wasn't as big of a deal as I thought at the time.
Anyway, back in January (January 1st, actually), I placed an order for the MNT Pocket Reform - almost eight years after my original search. I didn't rush the decision, and actually thought about it quite often for several months but its cuteness eventually won me over. I could definitely do without it, but I wanted it for some reason.
Eight months later, it was finally dispatched. I ordered it as a kit, so some assembly was required. The online manual was excellent, and there were only a couple of things which didn't quite match reality. If I had to choose getting it now or having a perfectly accurate manual, I'd have chosen now, so it worked out in the end. The only issue I encountered was the lack of WiFi - I'd installed the module, and repeatedly removed and installed it again, trying to get it to show up without luck. Looking at it more closely I noticed the RF shield was slightly bent inwards and decided to try prying it up a bit. It seemed to do the trick! No Bluetooth though, and I'm pretty sure that module has it, so still not quite right.
I still don't really understand what the appeal is, but it's great. It's chunky but small with a strange/cool keyboard. It definitely satisfies my desire for a UMPC :D
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Comments and feedback are welcome by email (aaron@nospam-aaronsplace.co.uk).