Balthazar

a Personal Computing Device

One laptop for the new internet.

Secure, fast, inexpensive, open, robust, upgradeable and sustainable. All of that.

BPCD - Balthazar Personal Computing Device is a 13.3" upgradable and expandable laptop that is based on a few concepts inspired by EOMA68, but powered by RISC-V processor(s) open architecture that runs on Linux OS.

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 the default. Its default low-level security layer software based on LUKS , Libreswan and is also envisaged to be GNUnet ready.

While being versatile and robust it also strictly follows GNU-GPL, FOSS, EOMA, ISA and even CC guidelines.

What is all that FOSS and CC and OS..? → Glossary

Goals

A mission of Balthazar is to enable and educate end users to be private, safe and careful with their own data, school's or a company's data. In today’s internet age we need to know how to handle and use encryption for our data protection, privacy and overall security. Also additional physical safety features such as hardwired switches and a quickly removable hard drive and peripherals are a necessity. Its open architecture runs fully open source software stack, a derivative of Debian GNU/Linux free of a proprietary hardware drivers and other closed source software. This makes a large software library instantly available and provides regular security updates. It can also be used as a base for “custom OS” or even UI environment, but that should not be not be really mandatory.

1. To design open, secure, inexpensive and innovative hardware while combining it with the usage of already existing GNU/FOSS tools and applications right off-the shelf.
2. To lead by example and gently lead other hardware manufacturers to become fully open towards GNU/FOSS including opening drivers' documentation, as well as abandoning in the process closed hardware architectures.
3. To support and enable low income communities and individuals all over the planet to engage in procetcting their privacy, freedoms and rights on the internet.
4. To make computing more sustainable and reach eco-friendly footprint.
5. To make modular and granulated product that can be configured and upgraded at an affordable price. You own it - you have the right to repair and upgrade it yourself.
6. To create an ecosystem that promotes RISC-V and ISA based secure computing.
7. To position it as an educational platform, as well as an advanced computing device where its users of all ages will feel secure, safe and comfortable using it.
8. To improve a paradigm in a mobile computing approach, while inspiring users to help create a new generation internet as a fundamental right to stay private, safe and secure on- and off-line.

For all children age 9-99.

Want to know more?
Please read the Frequently asked questions and the specifications and features.