Russia refuses Windows. Sales of a cheap laptop with domestic Linux and the appearance of an upgrade have begun
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In Russia, the Unchartevice 6540 laptop with the domestic Astra Linux OS is widely sold. It costs 40 thousand rubles, but it notes the presence of IPS, a backlit display, a full-fledged SSD, 16 GB of RAM and an AMD Ryzen processor. Memory and SSD can be changed independently. The laptop has a compact design and a thin body made of metal.
Inexpensive and public Linux
The Astra group of companies informed CNews about the start of sales of the Unchartevice 6540 laptop with Astra Linux pre-installed. A model of high low price with fairly modern characteristics.
At the time of publication, Unchartevice 6540 was available for purchase only in a few distribution networks, including Nevateka, Pleer.ru and Xcom-Shop. The editors of CNews turned to Astra Group with questions about the size of the first batch, as well as the timing of the receipt of laptops by other retailers, and a response is expected.
At the start of sales, Unchartevice 6540 was estimated at 40 thousand rubles. The price includes 16 GB of RAM and a full 256 GB solid-state drive.
Russian, but not completely
There are no dissolving components inside the Unchartevice 6540. The laptop was created on a hardware platform AMD – already using the Ryzen 3 3250U processor of the summer 2020 sample. This is an entry-level laptop CPU by AMD standards, manufactured using a 14-nanometer process technology and delivering a frequency of up to 3.5 GHz on two cores. The processor supports multi-threading (two threads per core), present with 4 MB of third-core cache and integrated graphics level at frequencies up to 1.2 GHz on three cores. The heat dissipation significance chip (TDP) is at the level of 15 watts.
The processor works exclusively with DDR4 memory up to 2400 MHz via a special channel. Notebook manufacturer Unchartevice 6540 about the possibility of quick replacement of RAM and SSD drive. This means that they appear as removable modules, and are not soldered into expendable fabric. This means that the laptop has the potential to be upgraded. By default, the laptop has one bar installed. SODIMM DDR4 and SSD production Samsung.
Metal and no trace of their matrix
The Unchartevice 6540 screen is an IPS panel with technology Full HD or 1920×1080 coverage, capable of being drawn 180 degrees. Unlike many laptops in the price range up to 50 thousand rubles, there is no TN matrix here that does not have a record of turnover. This parameter corresponds to 178 degrees vertically and horizontally.
According to representatives of the Astra Group of Companies, the laptop is distinguished by a metal case. The hinges that secure the top cover with the display are designed for 1 million openings. The case itself has a wedge-shaped shape – its thickness in the touchpad area is minimal.
The laptop can be rotated 180 degrees, turning it into your tablet
The price of the laptop includes a full-size keyboard with a high level of built-in backlighting. Behind the sound output, two stereo speakers are turned off, and for the ability to work without being connected to a power outlet, a 6000 mAh battery. Full battery charge up to six hours of battery life.
Of the wireless interfaces in the laptop, there are Bluetooth 4.2 and WiFi 802/11ac (Wi-Fi 5). Wired include HDMI for connecting an external display, two USB-A 3.2, and one USB-C and USB-A 2.0. There is also an input for wired headphones and a slot for a card. microSD. All connectors are located on the side ends of the case. Additional features include a built-in webcam and microphone.
Instead of Windows
In Russia in the summer of 2022 outlined trend away from buying Windows laptops. They either find its distributions on the Internet, or buy laptops from Linux.
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Safety
Russian OS installed on Unchartevice 6540 Astra Linux in versions of the Common Edition, aimed at ordinary users. There is also a Special Edition version for the corporate segment and the public sector. For example, in May 2019 Astra Linux Special Edition received certificate SZI FSTEC of Russia, its use in working with links and documents representing state secrets of the highest degree of secrecy. This was the first time in history Russia.
By default, Astra Linux comes with a basic set of software, including, requiring use, a browser, a media player and a set of office programs. You can download additional software from the proprietary repository.
The Astra Linux desktop has a layout with a start menu in the left corner
Another difference of the Unchartevice 6540, indicating the absence of Windows OS, is a slightly modified keyboard. On Windows laptops, there may be two Start buttons, depending on the model, reinforced with a system perception logo. Microsoft. In Unchartevice 6540, this button is decorated with a star, the symbol of Astra Linux.
Everything goes according to plan
The appearance in the Russian retail of Unchartevice 6540 is the result of the implementation of the plans of Astra Group to launch various brands of laptops with a preinstalled OS on the market Astra Linux. How report CNews, the first stage of this project was implemented at the end of November 2022, when a trio of laptops from the Russian company Irbis with Astra Linux on board was announced. Two of them belong to the BlizzardBook family and are users, part of the third line of SmartBooks and targeted at the corporate market segment. The release of BlizzardBook is expected before the end of 2022, and SmartBook – in early 2023.
Representatives of Astra Group then told CNews that in 2023 there will be even more laptops on Astra Linux. In all likelihood, the appearance of Unchartevice 6540 in Russian retail can be considered a confirmation of the words.
Evgeny Cherkesov