2016 could be a big year for Ubuntu tablets, as the startup MJ Technology LLC has plans to release not one but two tablets running full versions of the operating system.
The news stirred up the tablet community quite a bit because previously the only way to run the OS on a tablet was to get ahold of a tablet and install it there, not to mention it's refreshing to see an Ubuntu-powered tablet among the virtually endless slew of Android and iOS tablets on the market.
The budding company intends to pave the way for future Ubuntu tablets as it started a crowdfunding campaign on Monday to get things off the ground. While the preorders have been delayed, it's expected to roll out pretty soon.
The Ubuntu tablet will come in 8.9-inch and 10.1-inch variants, both pushing out a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200, and they are going to share the same hardware components under their hoods.
As for the specifications, it'll house an Intel Atom x7-Z8700 Processor along with 4 GB worth of RAM. Capacity-wise, it'll have 64 GB (up to 128 GB max) of internal storage that's expandable up to 128 GB via a microSD card.
For connectivity, the tablet will support 802.11 b/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth 4.0. Now, for jacks and ports, it'll sport a micro HDMI and a 3.5 mm headset jack along with a 2.0 USB port, a 3.0 USB port and a micro USB port. On top of those, it'll have a mini PCI Express slot and two 2W speakers. The slab is also going to be fitted with a 13-megapixel rear-facing shooter and an 8-megapixel front camera.
Aside from the size, the difference between the two lies in the battery life. The company crammed in a 7,500 mAh battery on the 8.9-inch version and an 8,500 mAh battery on the 10.1-inch. On average, the tablets are estimated to last for 8 hours on typical use and 200 hours when in standby.
The 8.9-inch version costs $350, whereas the 10.1-inch one is priced at $400. They are available in silver and black. There's still no solid release date, but MJ Technology LLC seems to be keen on providing updates on its Facebook page. To stay up-to-date with the Ubuntu tablets, the company also offers a newsletter subscription on its website.
In the same vein, Canonical and BQ are going to unveil the first Ubuntu tablet that's capable of running X11 apps at the 2016 Mobile World Congress. That means it'll be able to run software such as the likes of GIMP.
A big change in the tablet world is coming, and it's in the shape of Ubuntu.
