Mecha just held their first livestream event, revealing significant upgrades to their modular Linux handheld device, the Mecha Comet. These changes represent more than just a spec bump – they’re fundamental improvements that address user feedback and push the boundaries of what’s possible in an open hardware device.
Platform Upgrade
The heart of the new Comet is the IMX8M Plus SoC from NXP. While it maintains the same efficient quad-core A53 processor, the surrounding hardware sees dramatic improvements. Most notably, the GPU delivers triple the performance with the GC7000UL, bringing OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan capabilities. The open source driver currently supports ES 2.0, with full support expected later this year through collaboration with the Mesa team.
Memory and Storage Expansion
Memory gets a substantial boost to 8GB of RAM, doubling the previous 4GB limit. Internal storage also doubles to 64GB, and they’ve added microSD support up to 2TB. The PCIe connection has been upgraded to 3.0 with B-key support, opening up possibilities for LTE, 5G, and other expansion modules.
Display Innovation
Perhaps the most visible upgrade is the new 3.92″ AMOLED display. With a resolution of 1080×1240 at 419 PPI and brightness reaching 550 nits, it’s 30% larger than its predecessor. The panel includes a 1.1mm tough glass layer for protection. While AMOLED technology brings gorgeous colors and deep blacks, users should be mindful of burn-in prevention, especially for static elements like status bars or terminal windows.
Physical Refinements
The new design reduces thickness to 14mm (down from 16mm), though this comes at the cost of the ethernet port. However, with the upgrade to USB 3.0 Type-C ports, users can easily add gigabit ethernet through adapters. The extension connector system has been completely redesigned with a 40-pin female connector for improved durability.
Connectivity Expansion
Connectivity sees major improvements with native display output, proper cellular support (both SIM and eSIM), and an mmcx connector for external antennas. This makes the device significantly more versatile for networking applications and long-range communication setups.
Power Management
To support the enhanced hardware, battery capacity increases by 30% to 4000mAh. Despite the more powerful components, Mecha estimates 6-7 hours of runtime, up from the previous 4-4.5 hours.
AI Capabilities
The IMX8M Plus includes a 2.3 TOPS NPU. This enables on-device machine learning capabilities, setting it apart from other Linux handhelds like the Librem 5.
Timeline and Availability
Mecha expects first prototypes by May and is taking a measured approach to their Kickstarter launch, preferring to wait until they can demonstrate a working device. While pricing will increase by 10-20%, the extensive upgrades make this seem reasonable.
Development and Community
The project maintains strong community involvement with 3,500 Discord members and comprehensive documentation available at developers.me.so. They’ve published CAD files for the current model and plan to ship 50-100 test units in July for software development and testing.
Looking Forward
These updates position the Mecha Comet as a serious contender in the Linux handheld space. While the extended timeline might disappoint eager users, the focus on quality and proper implementation is commendable. The emphasis on repairability, modularity, and open source development shows a commitment to user freedom and device longevity.
For a detailed look at these updates, check out my video breakdown here: Mecha Comet Upgrades Explained
What features are you most excited about in the new Mecha Comet? Share your thoughts in the comments below.