1. Isn’t it just a laptop? No, it’s better described as a modular lapdock. A lapdock is essentially a laptop shell consisting of a screen, keyboard, trackpad, and battery but without a built-in computer. It becomes functional when paired with another device which acts as the "brain." In RiscDOCK’s case, this is a docked RISC OS Computing module. It offers plug-and-play functionality with various devices, requiring no additional drivers. The integrated keyboard and touchpad provide a familiar and comfortable user experience. 2. What else can it do, that a laptop can’t? It has several other functions above and beyond those of a traditional laptop • It can serve as a portable display for many other computing modules • It can act as a KVM, switching smoothly between displaying RISC OS, and Android or iOS, depending on your smartphone. • It can provide a laptop-like experience for making presentations with projectors • It can function as a desktop computer, when the RISC OS module is undocked from the cradle • It can connect to multiple devices, with multiple OSes, on multiple platforms - try that with a traditional laptop! • You can even watch DVDs on it! 3. Is it future-proof and cost-effective? Yes! You can upgrade the RISC OS module as newer models are released, or even replace individual components like the lapdock or accessories without discarding the entire setup. In contrast, RISC OS laptops traditionally have fixed hardware, making upgrades challenging. 4. How flexible is it? it is highly versatile and can serve multiple purposes: • As a Laptop Replacement: Pair it with a RISC OS module or similar device to create a lightweight, portable RISC OS workstation. • For Smartphone Productivity: Use it with a smartphone, including ones that supports desktop modes (e.g., Samsung DeX). • For Tinkering and Prototyping: Ideal for developers or hobbyists working on single-board computers or other hardware projects. A dedicated laptop is locked into its specific use case, while a RiscDOCK adapts to your needs. 5. How powerful is it? RiscDOCKs provide the portability of a laptop while allowing you to connect more powerful or specialised devices. This is particularly beneficial when paired with a module running a highly efficient operating system like RISC OS, or even a smartphone for lightweight computing tasks. 6. How portable is it? Weighing approximately 1.4 kg and measuring 0.78 inches in thickness, the RiscDOCK is lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry and ideal for on-the-go use. 7. How good is the software? RiscDOCK comes complete with s STABLE build of RISC OS, although it can use the cutting edge ”nightly” builds if required. It will run most modern 32bit RISC OS apps and software. Intensive apps like Iris and RiscOSM work without problem. WiFi even works “out of the box” for a real “laptop” experience - so you could couple it with RiscOSM to act as a GPS! The OS will develop at the same rate as RISC OS does - there’s no reliance on one provider to build updates. 8. Can the system be customised? Whereas dedicated laptops come with pre-configured hardware and limited options for customization, RiscDOCK allows you to: • Use a range of RISC OS computing modules • Connect peripherals like external storage, USB devices, or additional displays • Use it in different configurations, such as with a number of boards, for development work. 9. What processors and platforms can it run RISC OS on? It can run RISC OS on any 32bit ARM processor that currently works, including: Cortex A8 Cortex A9 Cortex A15 Cortex A53 Cortex A72 Rock RK3399 Unlike traditional RISC OS laptops, it can also make use of 64bit only ARM chips, RISC-V, x86 and x64 processors and more! Not for RISC OS, but for other OSes, buy hey! As long as it has HDMI and USB, it will probably work! 10. What’s the price advantage? For many users, a RiscDOCK combined with a low-cost device like a RISC OS computing module or a compatible smartphone is more affordable than buying a mid-range or an expensive laptop, while still providing comparable functionality for many tasks. Plus it’s far cheaper than a traditional RISC OS laptop of the same specification. 11. What are the use cases for such a device? a. We regularly use it as a monitor, keyboard and mouse for development machines, so we don’t have to keep unplugging our main machine from the monitor and peripherals. b. It’s great to keep all of your stuff one one machine - just undock the module and use it as a traditional desktop machine. c. Use it with a simple HDMI 1 in - 2 out splitter to make presentations to projectors whilst watching the RiscDOCK screen. d. Ideal for using your smartphone and RISC OS module at the same time - press a key to switch between them. 12. If I’ve got a RISC OS laptop, why would I want one of these? Please read the FAQ again - you’re not paying attention! It is especially good as a replacement device for an Acorn A4(!), A Pi-Top 1, a Pi-Top 2, and a Pinebook. It’s definitely worth considering if you have a Pinebook Pro. We’ll even consider trade-ins for some RISC OS devices, just get in touch! 13. It’s not enough… what else can it do? With extra docking cradles, you could have separate modules for different versions of RISC OS, or even different versions of Linux. Just unplug the RISC OS module and plug in that new Ubuntu one! Done! Not sure about Ubuntu? What about a superfast NVMe-based Debian module? Sure, no problem! 14. Can I run Windows 11? Not necessarily sure why you’d want to, but yes! You can even run any modern version Windows on an x86/x64 module! 15. What’s the catch? This is the catch - it’s an absolute catch! What are you waiting for? Get in touch now!

RiscDOCK FAQ

TL:DR