The Balthazar laptop: An all-European RISC-V computer

Re:Balthazar, would do them the world of good and increase the potential to get some design talent on the team, physical and digital.

Children don't need a "RISC-V laptop" they need things that work within the boundaries of what education demands from them. I know this might come across as mean but those weird janky upside down keyboard laptop renders undermine any other technical achievements of the team.

The article is woefully short on details, but the news[1] page of the actual project seems to have some more meat. Lots of photos and work in progress reports. Seems they're currently close to having an initial prototype up and running.

[1] https://balthazar.space/wiki/News

Wish there were more details - like demos, specs, a release date, etc.

The keyboard looks potentially decent to me, as a user of a columnar stagger split keyboard. The keys might be spaced out too much, though. Also the sort of wide V shape may not be totally ideal. I also like the idea of putting the keyboard front and center and getting the trackpad out of the way.

The article fails to mention that the MNT Reform can use other SOMs, including a RISC-V option.

> It's a project to build a standards-based, fully open source RISC-V laptop "for all children age 9-99".

The infantilisation of humanity continues...

The project is light on details, and consists of a 3D rendered laptop with an insane keyboard layout.

The website[0], however, uses present tense as if it's something that already exists, and isn't vaporware:

> BPCD - Balthazar Personal Computing Device is a 13.3" upgradable and expandable laptop

> It contains all the hardware and continuously developing software and firmware features preventing data-theft and any unwanted 3rd party intrusion into the system by default.

From the FAQ[1]:

> Who is this for?

> We are not personal computers' manufacturer. We do not sell, mass-produce or manufacture anything, except concepts, Open Source designs and fully functional prototypes for demonstration purposes and presentations.

OK, so it's a grift, then.

[0] https://balthazar.space/wiki/Balthazar

[1] https://balthazar.space/wiki/Frequently_Asked_Questions

shitty renders and last update from 2021. you must be kidding.