TUXEDO Computers has introduced the TUXEDO BM15 Gen1, a 15.6-inch Linux business laptop, targeting government agencies, businesses, and private users who need practical security and maintenance features instead of high-end performance hardware.
The device includes several standout features that are not often found together, including a built-in smart card reader, optional 4G LTE, wired LAN, Thunderbolt 4, an externally removable battery, and upgradeable RAM and storage.
The smart card reader follows the ISO/IEC 7816 standard and supports contact-based smart cards for corporate authentication, digital signatures, and other security workflows. TUXEDO also lists a fingerprint sensor, but Linux users should note that it is available only for Windows.
The BM15 is powered by Intel’s Core 5 120U processor, combining two performance cores and eight efficiency cores for a total of 10 cores and 12 threads. It pairs with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics and supports up to 64 GB of DDR5-5200 RAM via two upgradeable SO-DIMM slots.
Storage uses one M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD slot. Connectivity includes Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, and optional 4G LTE via Huawei LTE modules. The technical specs list Wi-Fi 6E hardware, though TUXEDO’s marketing also mentions Wi-Fi 7.
The 15.6-inch matte IPS display has a Full HD resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, a 60 Hz refresh rate, 400 nits brightness, 90% sRGB coverage, and a 180-degree hinge. The panel is not designed for professional color work, but its brightness and color coverage suit office work, presentations, browsing, video streaming, and light image editing.
Port selection includes HDMI 1.4b, Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort 1.4a and USB-C charging support, one additional USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, USB-A 2.0, RJ45 Ethernet, a microSD card reader, a 2-in-1 audio jack, and a Kensington lock slot.
Regarding repairability, TUXEDO says the laptop has upgradeable RAM, SSD, LTE, and Wi-Fi modules, plus a user-repairable keyboard and an externally replaceable 55 Wh battery. Maintenance, upgrades, and repairs do not void the warranty if done carefully.
The chassis is plastic and measures 360 × 239 × 20 mm. Weight is 1.75 kg, including the battery. Battery life is rated up to five hours of online video streaming and six hours at idle.
On the firmware side, the BM15 allows users to disable Intel Management Engine, webcam, audio, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth directly through the BIOS. TPM 2.0 is also included and can be enabled or disabled from the BIOS.
Like other TUXEDO laptops, the BM15 ships with Linux support, including preinstalled drivers, TUXEDO Control Center, WebFAI recovery media, and access to TUXEDO’s Linux-trained support. Supported operating systems include TUXEDO OS and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, with optional full-disk encryption. Windows 11 is also available on request.
For more details and orders, visit the manufacturer’s website.
The TUXEDO BM15 Gen1 is available for pre-order now, with shipping expected to begin at the end of May. Pricing starts at €965 excluding VAT and import duties for the base configuration with Intel Core 5 120U, 16 GB of DDR5 RAM, 512 GB SSD storage, and TUXEDO OS preinstalled.
