A closer look at Purism’s latest Linux laptop

Jul 3, 2020 05:04 GMT  ·  By

Purism has recently announced a Linux laptop that obviously comes with a series of improvements, and this time the upgrades happen exactly in those places where you need them the most.

The Librem 14 is described by Purism as “the first 14-inch laptop designed to protect your digital life,” and it’s all because the device was built with security in mind.

And just like the other Librem laptops, this new model comes packed with a series of security features supposed to help it achieve this goal, including PureOS, which is offered pre-installed.

But let’s have a closer look at this new laptop and see what it’s all about.

Design

Just like its name suggests, Librem 14 is a 14-inch laptop, so it’s bigger than the Librem 13 thanks to a larger display.

This is clearly good news for a wide variety of reasons, but the main one is that it offers increased screen estate that you’ll obviously find pretty useful when working on the device.

In most of the cases, a larger screen also means that the device is bigger and heavier, but this isn’t the case on the Librem 14.

In fact, the Librem 14 is just as big as the Librem 13, and it’s all thanks to the smaller bezels, which allowed Purism to fit the new laptop into a body with nearly the same dimensions as in the case of the older model.

So yes, the Librem 14 comes with a bigger screen versus the Librem 13, but on the other hand, it’s just as big overall. And this is clearly a welcome upgrade that not only guarantees extra points in terms of screen estate, portability, and overall design, as the Librem 14 feels more modern and fresher.  

Librem 13 Librem 14
13.3″ Matte Screen 14″ Matte Screen
Core i7 7500U (Kabylake) Processor, 2 cores & 4 threads Core i7-10710U (Comet Lake) Processor, 6 cores & 12 threads
325mm x 18mm x 219mm 322mm x 17mm x 220mm
1.4 kg 1.4 kg
Since it’s built with security in mind, the Librem 14 includes several physical kill switches that allow you to disconnect some features, including the camera, the microphone, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. So yes, you can forget about placing tape on your webcam if you get the Librem 14.

Libre, 14 laptop

Tech specs

The Librem 14 comes with just one processor choice, and this is the Intel Core i7-10710U (Comet Lake), which can be paired with up to 32 GB DDR4 RAM and up to 4 TB of storage (2 M.2 slots with a maximum of 2 TB each).

In terms of graphics, you get Intel UHD Graphics, while for connectivity, the laptop comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, two USB Type-A 3.1 ports, one USB Type-C 3.1 port, a headphone jack, an HDMI port that can output 4K at 60Hz, and a Gigabit Ethernet adapter with an integrated RJ45 connector.

  • Processor: Core i7-10710U (Comet Lake)
  • Display: 14″ Matte (1920×1080)
  • Battery Life: Roughly 7 to 9 hours (actual times may vary)
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
  • Memory: Up to 32GB, DDR4 at 2133 MHz
  • Storage: 2 SATA + NVMe-capable M.2 slots
  • Video: 1 HDMI Port (4K capable @60Hz max)
  • USB Type-C Video Out (4K capable)
  • USB Ports: USB Type-A 3.1 x 2 Ports, USB Type-C 3.1 x 1 Port
  • Audio: 3.5mm AudioJack (Mic-in & Headphone-out combo)
  • Networking: Gigabit Ethernet Adapter with Integrated RJ45 Connector
  • Atheros 802.11n w/ Two Antennas
  • Power: 1 Power Button, DC-IN Jack + USB-C Power Delivery Port

Other features

In addition to PureOS, which comes pre-installed and boasts a series of advanced security features, like built-in ad blocking and tracking protection, PureBoot and Librem Key integration, and HTTPS everywhere, the Librem 14 also packs several other Purism signature tools.

For example, it is equipped with the company’s anti-interdiction services, which prevent tampering with packaging, tape, and screws. Purism provides photographic evidence of your secure setup, and you always get in touch with the company via GPG encrypted mail.

And of course, the laptop also supports PureBoot and the LibremKey, both of which prevent unauthorized access and detect software and hardware tampering.

It also features a microSD card reader and a backlit keyboard.

Libre, 14 laptop

Pricing

Librem 14 starts at $1,499 in the United States, but early birds get a $300 discount, so the laptop is available right now from $1,199.

However, the more you add to the laptop, the bigger the price. The top-of-the-range configuration with 32GB RAM, 4TB of storage, PureBoot Bundle Plus and anti-interdiction services, three years of warranty, a privacy screen, and a recovery USB flash drive with a pre-installed OS costs no less than $3,693.

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