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 follows OSHW, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- To make computing more sustainable and reach eco-friendly footprint.
- 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.
- To create an ecosystem that promotes RISC-V and ISA based secure computing.
- 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.
- 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.
Want to know more?
Please read the Frequently asked questions and the specifications and features.
