The first time we talked about Librem laptops was in January 2015, but the idea of accessing more open platforms with a stronger emphasis on user privacy isn't exactly new. These projects often hit multiple barriers with proprietary technology (software and hardware alike), but Librem managed to push ahead and simultaneously announced an updated lineup of its Librem 13 and Librem 15 laptops, now equipped with seventh-generation Intel chips that come with a disabled Management Engine.
The drawbacks of proprietary development go beyond issues like privacy and anonymity. Besides not having enough information about how their devices work, users also wrestle with the ghost of planned obsolescence. A manufacturer decides to drop support for one or several of its products, and the user/consumer is left floating in the water like a cork. Examples? The case of Hewlett-Packard is especially offensive, as it doesn't even offer a legacy section with essential drivers for its older computers. If you want to fight against that, want more privacy in your sessions, and don't mind paying a premium for it, you should take a close look at the new Librem 13 and Librem 15.
Hardware and Performance
The first aspect to highlight about the new Librem computers is the processor. Both models now feature an Intel Core i7-7500U (2C4T) with a base frequency of 2.7 GHz and a Turbo mode that reaches 3.5 GHz. To that, they add the Intel HD 620 graphics module, which, while not rewriting any rules when gaming, is more than enough for playing 4K and encoding some videos. RAM and storage are both configurable at the time of purchase. The 13.3-inch model has a 1080p panel, while the 15.6-inch edition goes up to 4K. The Librem 13 with basic specs costs $1,399, and the Librem 15 makes a small jump to $1,599.
Privacy Features
So how do they guarantee privacy? After all, they use Intel processors that come with the IME integrated. The makers of the Librem 13 and Librem 15 have taken it upon themselves to neutralize the IME, that is, to eliminate or block resources so it never completes its initialization and either stays in standby or throws an error message. This neutralization relies on the open-source BIOS Coreboot, preinstalled on all Librem systems since 2017 (there are installation guides for older models). Another advantage is the presence of physical switches for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, the microphone, and the camera. Finally, the chosen operating system is PureOS, a Debian Testing-based distro with HTTPS Everywhere and DuckDuckGo configured in the browser. I understand the price may be a bit hard to digest, but Librem laptops are likely the most powerful on the market with Coreboot active and the IME neutered. If that has value to you, you won't think twice.
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