GenBook/TuringPi RK3588 as a coop opportunity

Creators & Developers
1

Some time ago there was announced a crowdsourced project of a RK3588 based modular laptop.

While I am not at all interested in yet another piece of dust collecting electronic junk in my cabinet, their approach seem interesting.

Especially since they use an upgradeable compute module:

image
image1599×1175 206 KB

So far I know at least two RK3588 modules of a similar form factor. This and an RK1 from Turing Machines:

image
image1616×912 111 KB

I am wondering, if it’s possible to create an adaptor mainboard for Framework 13 that would host such compute modules?

We’ve already seen a coop between Framework and another company that created RISC-V mainboard, so it’s not impossible.

Honestly, if I was a GenBook developer, I’d rather put all my efforts into Framework integration (especially given their funding campaign is failing).

1 Like
2

While i would be very interested in a Compute Module Board for a Framework 13, there is on big problem in my opinion. Nearly everone has there own connector. The closest to a standard is the CM4s connector but they already announced changes for CM5. Radxa has extended it for more IO. Turing Pi has probably the most Selection if you include the adapter to the CM4 connector, plus its own and Nvidia Jetson. But i don’t know which IO it exposes, and there we have the biggest problem with this, for a framework mainboard you idealy need four USB-C with DisplayPort and one eDP . Other things like GPIO and Network cant be Used. Something like the Rockchip RK3588 has that IO, but which Compute Module exposes it and is not changed with each generation?

3

Have you ever heard of MNT? Their original Reform and their Pocket Reform are doing this EXACT same thing already. You can upgrade your Reform and Pocket Reform with a RK3588 as well. Already happening.

Honestly, I think the RK3588 is still too niche to be a valid business opportunity for Framework. At least for now.

1 Like
4

And currently the are in development of the MNT Reform Next, the IO makes also alot more sense for these SBCs / CMs than the 4x USB C on Framework, even if i prefer the later.

5

RK1 is documented and indeed, it is Jetson compatible. As for the I/O, I do not expect it to be full replacement of a high-tier mainboard. Obviously it isn’t. But still, the amount of I/O that is routed though the 260-pin SO-DIMM connector is enough to fill nearly all slots.

6

So something like a SN65DSI86 MIPI® DSI to eDP™ Bridge to get eDP and an HDMI to DP converter and one could have the internal screen and one USB-C with DP on each side.