panther
If Clevo is still your OEM it may be helpful for those of us doing research for you to tell us the Clevo model.
Yes, Clevo is our ODM provider. The Clevo model is depending on the configuration, which can be found in the cart under View configuration --> SKU.
What parts of the laptop would be reasonably simple to upgrade, assuming ram and storage, anything else?
Internal memory and storage indeed. Replacing the motherboard is possible, but not worth it in most cases due to the high price. The CPU (and GPU, if chosen) are soldered on the motherboard. So the price of the motherboard is very high, about 75% of the total costs of the laptop base.
If you have the laptops in hand already can you do a Qubes HCL and if not do you foresee that being able to be done before presale?
We are developing the Dasharo coreboot firmware version first. Sure, we will then generate a Qubes HCL report and apply for Qubes OS certification. We estimate the feasibility at 75%. If feasible, this will probably be live in August 2024.
Do the keyboards have backlights?
It is optional and selected by default in our configurators, please have a look at the keyboard options. There is only white keyboard illumination for these new models. The brightness level is adjustable and it can be switched off.