[IDEA] Open source Laptop for Schools

[justinaquino]

Petition for Open Source, Repairable, and Accessible Laptops for Education

Vision

We advocate for an Open Source Laptop Initiative — a nationwide movement to make laptops for students and educators that are fully repairable, modular, affordable, and designed for long-term use. This initiative seeks to strengthen education, local industry, and sustainability through open technology.

---

Why This Matters

1. Education deserves better value. Students should not be forced into low-performance, disposable devices. For 25,000 PHP, we can deliver a laptop that performs as well as commercial 40,000–50,000 PHP machines.
2. Repair is learning. When devices are designed to be opened, repaired, and upgraded, students gain engineering literacy, not just consumption habits.
3. Economic opportunity. Open design allows local repair shops, small businesses, and schools to participate in the ecosystem—creating parts, servicing units, and developing new accessories.
4. Sustainability. Reuse, not replacement, is the goal. Every repairable laptop prevents e-waste and empowers communities.

---

SMART Goals

Goal	Specific	Measurable	Achievable	Relevant	Time-bound
S1. Design the first Open Source Laptop prototype	Develop a modular laptop with open schematics, documentation, and a local supply chain.	CAD design, BOM, and assembly guide published.	Collaboration with universities and makerspaces.	Supports local manufacturing and education.	Prototype by Q3 2026.
S2. Achieve educational performance standards	Target 8,000 Passmark CPU performance (Ryzen 3 7000U equivalent).	Benchmark-tested and certified by 3rd party.	Achievable with existing AMD/Intel mobile boards.	Ensures real usability for students.	Testing complete by Q4 2026.
S3. Ensure full modularity and repairability	Every major component (screen, keyboard, battery, SSD, RAM, touchpad, motherboard, and SoC board) replaceable using common tools.	Repair score of 9/10 based on standardized checklist.	Follows open repair standards (iFixit, Framework).	Empowers community repair hubs and students.	Achieved by 2027 rollout.
S4. Keep unit cost accessible	Final retail cost: ₱25,000 per unit.	Transparent cost breakdown published.	Achievable through open designs and local assembly.	Maximizes educational accessibility.	Pilot rollout by Q1 2027.
S5. Build an open-source ecosystem	Establish shared repositories for firmware, 3D models, and learning materials.	1,000 active contributors and 100 partner schools.	Supported by open hardware and software licenses.	Promotes lifelong learning and sustainability.	Community portal live by Q2 2027.

---

Technical Highlights

• CPU: Ryzen 3 7000U equivalent (8,000+ Passmark)
• Memory: Starts at 16GB, upgradable to 32GB
• Storage: NVMe SSD (256GB expandable)
• Display: 13.3" eDP panel, standard 30/40-pin connector
• Graphics: Integrated GPU (sufficient for education and productivity)
• Modularity: Replaceable keyboard, touchpad, battery, screen, and logic board
• SOC Board: Modular SBC-based system board (Intel, AMD, or ARM options), designed for easy upgrade and replacement
• Chassis: Open CAD design, local fabrication possible
• OS: Linux-based (Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora), fully open-source compatible

---

Call to Action

We call on:

• Educational Institutions: Integrate open hardware in STEM and engineering programs.
• Government Agencies: Support open-source educational technology in procurement policies.
• Local Manufacturers & Makerspaces: Participate in component production and repair networks.
• Students & Citizens: Sign, share, and advocate for repairable and open hardware in education.

Together, we can build a future where every student can own a powerful, repairable, and sustainable laptop that they can learn from, fix, and improve.

---

#OpenSourceLaptopPH #RightToRepair #SustainableEducation

---

Bill of Materials (BOM) – Mockup v0.1 (Target ₱25,000)

Prices are indicative, PHP, and assume educational/volume sourcing. Add ~₱5,000 for labor & overhead (assembly, QA, packaging).

Component	Spec / Notes	Qty	Unit (₱)	Line Total (₱)
SoC SBC (brain)	Ryzen 3 7320U‑class SBC w/ NVMe, eDP, USB (volume buy)	1	9,800	9,800
RAM	16GB DDR5 SO‑DIMM (1×16; upgradable to 32GB)	1	1,700	1,700
Storage	NVMe SSD 256GB	1	900	900
Display panel	13.3″ FHD eDP, 30/40‑pin	1	1,800	1,800
eDP cable / hinge harness	Panel cable + backlight	1	200	200
Keyboard module	Low‑profile scissor or hot‑swap mech, USB/I²C	1	500	500
Touchpad module	4–5″ capacitive, USB/I²C	1	400	400
Chassis & fasteners	3D/CNC hybrid, serviceable	1	1,000	1,000
Battery pack	~40–50Wh, 3‑ or 4‑cell	1	1,000	1,000
BMS / Charging	USB‑C PD input + power path	1	500	500
Power adapter	USB‑C 65W PD	1	500	500
Wi‑Fi / BT module	M.2 or on‑board	1	400	400
Webcam + mic	720p–1080p module	1	200	200
Speakers (pair)	1–2W each	1	150	150
Thermals	Heatpipe + fan assembly	1	400	400
I/O daughterboard	USB hub / audio / status LEDs	1	300	300
Misc cables & screws	Internal harness, standoffs	1	200	200
Subtotal – Parts				19,950
Labor & Overhead	Assembly, QA, packaging	1	5,000	5,000
Target Total (per unit)				24,950

Assumptions

• Performance target: ≥ 8,000 PassMark (Ryzen 3 7000U class).
• Volume pricing: SoC SBC and panel reflect bulk / EDU rates; retail may be higher.
• Modularity: RAM SO‑DIMM; NVMe; eDP panel with standard cable; SBC is swappable brain module.
• Display controller: eDP native on SBC to avoid extra TCON cost/complexity.
• Chassis: Local fabrication (3D print + sheet/plate) with screws; no glue; iFixit‑style fastener map.
• Battery: Commodity cells + BMS; compliant with local shipping rules.

Options & Cost Sensitivity (quick levers)

• Storage: 256→512GB: +₱600 to ₱900
• RAM: 16→32GB: +₱1,600 to ₱2,000
• Panel: FHD→QHD: +₱1,200 to ₱2,000 (and higher power draw)
• CPU tier: N100 class (if acceptable) can reduce SoC by ₱2k–₱3k but may miss the 8k PassMark goal.

This BOM is a starting point for procurement and pilot quotes. I can also produce a CSV/XLSX version if you want to circulate for vendor pricing.

[justinaquino]

https://github.com/byrantech/laptop Open source Laptops already exist an and its an MIT License
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhaYKX1ZfyY&t=246s Video Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fks3PBodyiE How I Made A Laptop From Scratch - anyon_e

[justinaquino]

Its possible - anyway will try to produce this as a Pilot.