Hackboard 2 is a new single-board computer (SBC) designed from the ground up to be one of the most powerful and affordable Windows-capable, Intel-based computers ever. With optional 4G or 5G connectivity, it is ideal for students, teachers, families, makers, and hobbyists alike. Unlike the Raspberry Pi, Hackboard 2 is based on a powerful Intel processor capable of running Windows. Unlike other Intel-based SBCs, Hackboard 2 is incredibly affordable.

Education, Entertainment, Engineering

Hackboard is a reliable, high-performance platform that is well suited to a large and diverse set of possible projects, including:

• Entertainment systems like media servers, game consoles, and digital audio hubs
• Home automation controllers and smart-home peripherals like IoT appliances and security systems
• Sensor gateways such as industrial monitors and controls

Instant Productivity with Windows 10 Pro

Hackboard 2 running Windows 10 Pro

The standard version of Hackboard 2 comes preinstalled with Windows 10 Pro, a full-featured version of Windows that retails for more than the price of Hackboard 2 itself. It also comes preinstalled with the powerful Python programming language for accessing Hackboard 2’s GPIO.

Limited Edition Ubuntu Linux Version

Hackboard 1 shown in all photos. Hackboard 2 swaps out the microSD card slot for a SIM card slot and second M.2 slot, and has an upgraded processor.

A limited edition version of Hackboard 2 that is preinstalled with Ubuntu Linux will be available only during the Crowd Supply campaign. The hardware is identical — it just comes with Linux instead of Windows.

Features & Specifications

Hackboard 2 has the following high-level features:

• Processor - Intel Celeron N4020
  • Dual-core, 64-bit
  • Up to 2.8 GHz clock
  • 4 MB cache
• Memory & Storage
  • 4 GB DDR4 RAM
  • 64 GB onboard eMMC flash
  • Two NVMe M.2 slots accommodate up to 4 TB additional storage
• Video & Audio
  • Intel UHD Graphics 600
  • 4K HDMI 2.1 output
  • 30-pin eDP 11.6"-15.6" screen connector
  • 6-pin touchscreen interface
  • 3.5 mm CTIA audio jack (stereo + mic)
  • 5-pin stereo speaker connector
• Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi - Intel dual-band AC95060 rated at 1.73 Gb/s
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • Optional 4G or 5G cellular modem
• Expandability
  • 3 x USB 3.0 ports
  • 5-pin USB 2 camera connection
  • 40-pin GPIO header (RPi-HAT-compatible with pass-through adapter)
  • NVMe M.2 B key slot
  • NVMe M.2 B & M key slot
• Power - included
  • 12 VDC, 3 A international power supply
  • 10-pin 3.7 V rechargeable battery input connector
  • Heatsink
  • Small cell battery for up to two years BIOS backup
• Dimensions
  • 120 mm x 80 mm
  • Corner mounting holes centered 5 mm from edges

Left to right: DC power jack, 3.5 mm audio jack, Ethernet port (deprecated), HDMI output

Hackboard 2 has three USB 3 ports

Comparisons

* The Linux version of Hackboard 2 is a Crowd Supply exclusive and will not be available after the campaign.

** The price for Raspberry Pi includes the cost for additional required parts to run: $75 for RPi + $8.19 PSU + $9.90 16 GB microSD card + $5.20 heatsink = $98.29. All prices from authorized manufacturer OKDO.com as of December 3, 2020.

Hackboard 2 in injection molded ABS case included in Starter and Complete Kits

Hackboard 2 Schematic (Top)

Hackboard 2 Schematic (Bottom)

Hackboard 2 Starter Kit

The Hackboard 2 Starter Kit has everything you need to hook up Hackboard 2 to your own monitor or TV and be productive right away. It includes a Hackboard 2 with Windows 10 Pro, a 12 VDC / 3 A international power supply, a heatsink, two board-mountable antennas, a protective ABS plastic case, a 1080p USB 2 video camera, and a wireless keyboard with integrated trackpad, all slim and lightweight enough to take on the go. Optional 4G and 5G cellular modems available separately.

Hackboard 2 Complete Kit

The Hackboard 2 Complete Kit has everything you need to be productive right away. It includes everything that comes with a Hackboard 2 Starter Kit, plus a portable 13.3" IPS 1080p HD display with integrated speakers, USB C and HDMI inputs, a mini USB B power supply (5 V / 3 A), and protective cover that doubles as a stand, all slim and lightweight enough to take on the go. Optional 4G and 5G cellular modems available separately.

Manufacturing Plan

Between the three core members of the team (Mike, Jon, and Dean), we have over 22 years of experience in the manufacturing and logistics of single-board computers, including working directly with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Kano, pi-top, Micro:bit, and the BeagleBoard Foundation, not to mention countless partners for accessories and components.

Hackboard 2 was developed with our in-house engineering, design, layout, fabrication, and software resources, calling on proven local contractors for specialized tasks such as board fabrication and assembly. Hackboard 2 production will take place in China, overseen directly by Mike, CEO of Hackboard.

Every Hackboard 2 comes with a 12 VDC, 3 A international power supply

We successfully manufactured a pilot run of the first version, Hackboard 1, which used the Intel Celeron N3350 processor. The version being offered here, Hackboard 2, has some key improvements, such as removing the microSD card slot to make room for a SIM card slot and a second NVMe M.2 slot, and upgrading to the more powerful Intel Celeron N4020 processor. Throughout the last year of design and validation, we’ve worked closely with Intel and Microsoft to ensure Hackboard 2 unleashes the power of both.

Our manufacturing plan includes full safety compliance and testing against global standards, such as FCC, CE, CCC, C-Tick, RoHS, and Proposition 65. In addition, we’re working toward certifying Hackboard 2 as a Microsoft Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) platform.

Fulfillment & Logistics

All orders will ship to backers worldwide via Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics. For details, see the Crowd Supply Guide.

Members of our team have previously played critical roles in delivering similar products, such as successfully delivering Kano’s original Kickstarter campaign computer kits to backers in 86 countries.

Hackboard 2 product box

Risks & Challenges

There are three main kinds of problems we might encounter in the course of manufacturing Hackboard 2 and getting it into your hands:

• Product availability: Supply and demand have been thrown into chaos this year because of COVID-19. We are working directly with our suppliers to mitigate this risk.
• Geopolitical: A deeper trade war between China and the US can further complicate shipping. We have the ability to relocate our manufacturing to avoid any potential changes here. HS codes and duties have been carefully considered.
• Acts of God: Typhoons, earthquakes, (more) pandemics, etc. We'll certainly do our best to work around anything that happens! For example, for another project, two September 2019 typhoons required us to divert shipping containers bound for the USA. We rerouted them through Taiwan with 24-hour, real-time tracking to keep distribution partners informed and ultimately enable retail distribution of products in time for Christmas.

Regardless of what comes up along the way, we commit to being transparent with our backers about any problems we encounter and what we are doing to mitigate them.

Hackboard 2 with two included antennas