My trick for Libreboot on the Macbook 2,1 (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) by automaticdoor75@sopuli.xyz to c/libreboot@sopuli.xyz

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First off, forgive the low quality of the picture, my digital camera has trouble with photos of computer screens.

In order to install Libreboot, it helps to have GNU/Linux installed on the laptop first. This can be tricky with the MacBook 2,1. The official Libreboot docs (https://libreboot.org/docs/hardware/macbook21.html) offer two options: install from an external USB drive, which can be quite technical, or install from a DVD. The problem with the DVD option is that the optical drives on these MacBooks tend to fail (the optical drive on the one I bought today wasn't working).

Fortunately, there is a much easier way. If you have a 64-bit version of GNU/Linux already installed on an SSD from another laptop, just put it into the MacBook, and it should work. These MacBooks made it easy to upgrade the drive and RAM, by removing the battery, and then loosening three screws to remove a protective plate. When powering the laptop on, hold down the alt/option key. The drive you just put in should come up as "Windows" in the dual boot menu.

Once the laptop is powered on, if you have flashrom/flashprog and your Libreboot ROM ready, you should be able to internally flash Libreboot, simple as that.

Trisquel GNU/Linux has worked for me when doing this trick. I have had some trouble when using a 32-bit version of Trisquel, a 64-bit version does not give me any problems.

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[-] gnutard@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 months ago

This thing is a nice laptop, I have one myself, disabled the mic/camera on it (I do not recommend, this had to be one of the worst laptops I've ever disassembled). There were at least 12-15 different screws.

I was actually able to run two Whonix VMs with honestly good enough performance. I have Libreboot installed on mine. The only reason I stopped using it was because this thing can heat up a lot. Maybe I just didn't apply enough thermal paste? Also, you need Kaptons tape, since in order to take out the CPU cooler, you have to take off the original Kaptons tape, and plus, remove all the gritty padding from it.

In terms of looks, 10 out of fucking 10. This thing looked so modern for its time, and still holds up today.

this post was submitted on 29 Feb 2024

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Libreboot is a free (libre) BIOS/UEFI replacement. Based on coreboot, the aim is to distribute low-level boot firmware that is 100% free software, and easy to use.

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