A new mini laptop called the Kernelcom is taking an unconventional approach to portable computing. Instead of the standard 16:9 or 16:10 display, this device features a 12.5 inch ultrawide OLED touchscreen with a 24:9 aspect ratio and 1920 x 720 pixel resolution. The system includes a mechanical keyboard with removable keycaps and no trackpad, resulting in a design that is thicker than most laptops at 36 mm (1.4 inches) but takes up less space when folded. The dimensions are 321 x 140 x 36 mm (12.6 x 5.5 x 1.4 inches).
Two configurations are available through the Kickstarter campaign. The entry-level model features an Intel N150 processor with 4 cores running up to 3.4 GHz, comes with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed, and weighs 1.24 kg (2.7 pounds) with a 38 Wh battery. The higher-end version packs an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor with 8 Zen 4 cores and 16 threads running up to 5.1 GHz, includes Windows 11 and Radeon 780M graphics, and weighs 1.43 kg (3.2 pounds) with a 57 Wh battery. Both models include 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and 1 TB of M.2 2280 storage.
The keyboard features 84 keys at 80 percent size with Outemu Blue Low Profile mechanical switches and RGB LED lighting. The AMD model offers more advanced connectivity with two USB4 Type-C ports running at 40 Gbps, WiFi 7, and HDMI 2.1, while the Intel version includes one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port at 10 Gbps, WiFi 6, and HDMI 2.0. Both models include multiple USB Type-A ports and support 20V/5A USB-PD charging.
The unconventional form factor raises questions about practical usability, particularly the limited 720 pixel vertical resolution and lack of a touchpad. The mechanical keyboard with Outemu Blue switches appears to be the primary selling point for this device, positioning it as a portable writing tool that happens to be a full computer. The 75 Hz OLED display with 400 nits brightness and 10-point multitouch comes from automotive applications rather than traditional laptop panels.
Kickstarter backers can reserve the Intel model starting at $290 (€252) for super early bird pricing or $390 (€339) at regular campaign pricing, while the AMD version is available for $590 (€512) or $790 (€686).