Purism has raised almost 50 per cent above its target to launch a high-end, completely open-source computer to the masses.
The Librem 15 ships without anything suspicious or closed-source within the kernel, operating system or software, creating a 100 per cent purist experience.
All source code for the laptop is released under free/libre licenses. It uses Linux, but unlike other computers running on the platform, the Librem 15 doesn’t include binary blobs in the kernel. Purism is also pushing to free the BIOS and component firmware.
Purism says: “All other companies, when they sit down at the negotiation table, negotiate first for price, mean time between failure, quality, warranty, availability, then revisit price again.
“We on the other hand negotiate for users’ rights to free software, then quality, then price. Most manufacturers just need to be made aware that it matters to users, and then we get into how best to make that happen.”
The company is also letting its users help shape the future of the Librem open source computers. Although the company has developed prototypes, it is inviting interested parties to make suggestions on how the laptop can be improved.
Purism is offering its Librem 15 open source computer in a number of options. Basically, you can decide which components you want in your computer, including amount of memory, storage (and type – both HD and SSD are available), what kind of drive you want, screen resolution, keyboard layout and whether you need a US, UK or EU charger. Depending on the options you choose, the product itself will cost from $1889 (£1200).
The screen in this first version measures 15-inches, but the company is working on developing a 13-inch model. Those who want to wait for the smaller version can buy a $500 (£320) voucher for $450 (£295) to redeem when the 13-inch laptop is launched.
Purism’s target was $250,000 (£165,000) although its funds currently stand at $368,530 (£242,000) with two days left for its campaign on CrowdSupply.
