The Pinebook Pro is a Linux and *BSD ARM laptop designed as an open-source alternative to mid-range Chromebooks. It features a 14-inch IPS 1080p LCD panel, a premium magnesium alloy shell, and a high-capacity 10,000 mAh battery. The device emphasizes modularity and open-source compatibility.

Function Description

The Pinebook Pro serves as a portable computing device, running various open-source operating systems such as Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, Manjaro) and *BSD. Its core functionality is driven by the RK3399 System-on-Chip (SoC), supporting a range of tasks from general productivity to development.

The laptop is equipped with 4GB LPDDR4 system memory and high-capacity eMMC flash storage for its primary operating system and data. A 128Mb SPI boot Flash is also included. For connectivity and expansion, it provides a micro SD card reader (which is bootable), USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, and a USB Type-C Host port that supports DisplayPort 1.2 video output and power input (3A 5V). An internal switch allows the headphone jack to function as a UART console.

For storage expansion, the Pinebook Pro includes a PCIe 4x interface for an NVMe SSD drive, which requires an optional adapter. This allows users to significantly increase storage capacity and potentially improve data access speeds.

Privacy features are integrated through physical switches for the microphone, Bluetooth/WiFi module, and camera, allowing users to physically disable these components when not in use.

The keyboard and trackpad operate via the USB 2.0 protocol, providing standard input functionality. The LCD panel utilizes the eDP MiPi display protocol for its visual output.

Usage Features

The Pinebook Pro offers flexible usage scenarios due to its open-source nature. Users can install and run a wide variety of operating systems, tailoring the device to their specific needs.

Booting and Storage:

The device is capable of booting from eMMC, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or an SD card. While direct booting from USB-C is not supported, the hard-coded ROM boot order prioritizes SPI NOR, eMMC, SD, and then USB OTG. The Pinebook Pro typically ships with a Debian + MATE build on the eMMC, with a boot order of SD then eMMC.

For users wishing to utilize an NVMe SSD, it can function as a data drive, provided the kernel has the necessary PCIe and NVMe drivers. It can automatically mount when booting from eMMC or an SD card, supporting both Linux and FreeBSD. While direct booting from an NVMe drive is not possible due to the SoC lacking NVMe boot code, users can configure the system to boot from eMMC and then transfer the root file system to the NVMe drive. This involves having the U-Boot code, kernel image, DTB, and extlinux.conf in a /boot partition on the eMMC, pointing to the NVMe drive for the root file system.

Power and Charging:

The Pinebook Pro can be powered via a 5V DC @ 3A barrel jack (3.5mm OD / 1.35mm ID) or a USB-C 15W PD quick charge. It is crucial to use only one power input at a time.

Video Output:

The USB-C port supports DisplayPort alternate mode, allowing video output up to 3840x2160 at 60Hz (or 30Hz if USB 3 is also desired for a dock). The device can connect to external displays via USB-C alternate mode DisplayPort, and if the external device uses an active translator, it can output to HDMI or VGA.

Audio:

Audio output is available through built-in stereo speakers and a 3.5mm stereo earphone/microphone plug. If sound is not working from the headphone jack but works from speakers, the headphone/UART console switch might be set to UART mode and needs to be switched to headphone mode. When using USB-C alternate DisplayPort mode, audio may be redirected through this path to a monitor with speakers. For Bluetooth attached speakers or headsets, the pulseaudio-module-bluetooth package needs to be installed.

Network:

The device supports WiFi (802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual band 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz with a single antenna) and Bluetooth 5.0. Privacy switches allow users to physically disable the WiFi/BT module.

Maintenance Features

The Pinebook Pro is designed with a degree of user serviceability, with clear instructions for disassembly and component access.

Disassembly and Reassembly:

To access internal components, the laptop must be powered off and folded closed. Ten Phillips head screws secure the bottom cover. After removing the screws, the cover can be lifted from the back (hinge side) and away from the chassis. During reassembly, ensure back-screw standoffs are in place and seated correctly. The bottom section slides into place, meeting the front lip of the keyboard section. The front section is secured with two short screws in the front left and right corners, followed by popping the bottom panel into place and securing the remaining screws. Screws should only be finger-tight to avoid stripping threads. If the back cover plate is not seated properly, gently flex the base with both hands in opposing directions until it pops into place.

Troubleshooting and Repair:

Boot/Power On Issues:
- If the Pinebook Pro doesn't boot or power on, check the eMMC switch (24) position; it should be switched towards the back/hinge to enable the eMMC.
- Verify the eMMC is firmly seated, as it might come loose during shipment.
- Try unplugging and reseating the SD card daughterboard ribbon cable.
- If the eMMC is empty, create a bootable SD card to test if the Pinebook Pro boots, then write an OS image to the eMMC.
- If using a UART console cable from the Pine Store, try disconnecting it to see if the device boots.
- If the device doesn't power on after toggling the eMMC enable/disable switch (24) towards the hinge, press the RESET button (28).
Keys Not Registering/Missing Keys:
- This issue can occur if the thumb or palm edge makes contact with the trackpad, triggering an overly forceful palm rejection firmware that disables both the trackpad and keyboard.
- Using Fn+F7 to disable the touchpad can prevent it from disabling the keyboard.
- A firmware update has been released to address this issue.
WiFi Issues:
- Ensure the privacy switch for WiFi is enabled.
- Modify /etc/NetworkManager/NetworkManager.conf as root, changing managed=false to managed=true, then reboot.
- For dropped connections, it might be due to WiFi power management in older OS releases. Later OS releases either remove or default to full power management. Power management can be turned off via command line (iw dev wlan0 set power save off or iwconfig wlan0 power off), though this is not persistent across reboots.
- If WiFi is unstable with an alternate OS, the WiFi firmware might be inappropriate for the chip. Try the latest firmware patch from the provided GitLab link.
Sound Issues:
- If there is no sound, first test with another OS via an SD card to determine if it's a software or hardware problem.
- If the headphone jack has no sound but speakers do, check if the headphone/UART console switch is set to UART mode and switch it to headphone mode.

Internal Switches and Buttons:

The mainboard features two switches:

eMMC disable switch (24): Disables the eMMC.
UART/Audio switch (9): Enables UART output via the headphone jack.

The Reset (28) button performs an immediate reset of the laptop. The Recovery (28) button is used to place the device in maskrom mode for flashing eMMC using Rockchip tools.

FCC Compliance:

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, meaning it must accept any interference received and not cause harmful interference. The SAR limit for USA (FCC) is 1.6 W/kg, and the device has been tested for typical operations at 0mm from the body.

PINE64 Pinebook Pro - Page 6

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