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The Cool Pi ARM Notebook is a laptop computer with a 14 inch, 1920 x 1080 pixel display, support for up to 32GB of RAM and 256GB of eMMC storage, and a $455 starting price for an 8GB/64GB model.

It’s also rather unusual in a few ways: it runs Android 12 or Ubuntu Linux rather than Windows. It’s powered by an ARM-based Rockchip RK3588 processor rather than an Intel or AMD chip. And that processor is part of a compute module that could theoretically be removed and replaced… although it’s unclear if there will ever be any upgrade options in the future.

At the heart of the laptop is a Cool Pi CM5 module with Rockchip’s processor featuring:

  • 4 x ARM Cortex-A76 CPU cores @ 2.2 GHz
  • 4 x ARM Cortex-A55 cores @ 1.8 GHz
  • Mali-G610 MP4 GPU
  • NPU with up to 6 TOPS AI performance

The Cool Pi CM5 is also available for purchase for $218 and up (bundled with a carrier board) if you’d prefer a mini-desktop form-factor. But customers who opt for the laptop will get a complete computer that includes a display, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, and battery, among other things.

The notebook also has an M.2 2280 slot for an optional SSD, support for WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, and a set of ports that includes:

  • 1 x HDMI 2.1
  • 1 x USB Type-C (w/DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode)
  • 1 x USB 3.0 Type-A
  • 1 x 4.5mm audio
  • 1 x DC power input

Cool Pi’s laptop has 2MP webcam, stereo 1W speakers, a 38 Wh battery, and a power input with support for a 12V/2A DC power supply. Cool Pi says the battery should provide up to 7 hours of run time while watching videos. Expect somewhat less for more demanding tasks.

The laptop has a metal shell, but the exterior is covered in plastic, and the Cool Pi ARM Notebook measures 323 x 210 x 20mm (12.7″ x 8.3″ x 0.8″) and weighs 1.46 kg (3.2 pounds).

via CNX Software and Cool Pi Forum

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  1. 2023 It’s still so close, yet so far to a (linux) ARM Laptop.
    Pros: Keyboard layout – full size arrow keys / Full HD display / Ports
    Cons: Useless fan, DC power input (Europe Union requires USB-C)

    Reply

  2. I’m pretty sure this thing is built in a plastic shell. It might look like cast aluminum, but if it was I don’t think there would be a need for the threaded inserts. I wouldn’t consider the metal plate that the motherboard is mounted on to be part of the shell. Also, the forum post says the shell material is plastic.

    Reply

  3. What’s going on with the fan? The CPU doesn’t even have a heatsink, and the fan is on the opposite side of the laptop cooling off …nothing?

    Reply

    1. It would sort of work if you covered up most of the vent holes except the ones on the back left corner. I suspect the reason it has all those holes is that this is a generic laptop shell that various device manufacturers (e.g. Cool Pi ) can put parts in, and there’s only so many options for the mold.

      Reply