Subj : Pine64 launches a RISC-V Linux Tablet To : All From : LundukeJournal Date : Fri Apr 07 2023 04:45:03 Pine64 launches a RISC-V Linux Tablet Date: Fri, 07 Apr 2023 03:30:46 GMT Description: The one catch: Linux might not actually boot when you first get it. (I want one anyway.) FULL STORY ====================================================================== Pine64 makers of the PinePhone and Pinebook laptop are now branching out from their core wheelhouse (ARM-powered, Linux devices) and into the wonderful world of RISC-V. According to their March Update , they will begin taking preorders for a RISC-V powered Linux tablet on April 11th, 2023. And they will be calling it the PineTab-V. What the PineTab-V will look like. This will be the second entry into Pine64s RISC-V portfolio: The first being the Star64 , single board computer which shipped on April 4th. Demand for their RISC-V computer was so high it appears to have sold out within a matter of hours. I would expect their RISC-V tablet to do the same when it goes on sale on April 11th. So. What details do we know? [T]he PineTab-V is identical to the PineTab2 in all ways but the SoC. It features the same chassis, LCD panel, memory and storage configurations and even SKU price-points. In other words: 1280800 display In two versions: 4GB of RAM, 64GB eMMC 8GB of RAM, 128GB eMMC The key difference? RISC-V, instead of ARM. And theyre even going to have the same price points. Regarding the pricing: we did consider charging more for the PineTab-V, since it actually costs more to manufacture than the PineTab2 (seriously), but given that it is effectively a glorified paperweight at this point in time it just didnt feel right. Which means you will be able to get a RISC-V powered Linux tablet for: 4GB / 64GB eMMC: $159 8GB / 128GB eMMC: $209 And both ship with a detachable keyboard (pictured above) by default. Honestly? That seems like a pretty sweet deal to me. The mainboard of the PineTab-V. One thing worth bearing in mind: this is RISC-V. Which means it is far less optimized and well supported as the ARM version. In fact it may not even fully boot a Linux distro when it arrives. Seriously. Ok, so I suppose there is one more thing you should know about the PineTab-V after all while it walks and quacks like PineTab2, it sure as heck isnt an Arm machine. You are basically buying into an idea, a vision, a dream [note to self insert more inspirational words here to motivate them to pick one up]. Indeed, unlike its Arm brethren it doesnt even boot Linux as of today at least not as far as I know. So if you are in the market for an open, high-quality and sexy looking tablet that doesnt work since the software for it is a-way-off from pre-Alpha then youll be thrilled to know weve got you covered! I love that Pine64 are straight forward about what the PineTab-V is, where its at, and why someone might want one. Heck. I know I sure do. [H]eres what I want you to take away from this section: if you want a working Linux tablet then go with the PineTab2 (the ARM powered version). However, if you already completed your Picasso collection and no longer take pleasure in neatly arranging your sports cars in the garage, but you have an interest in things ending with the letter V and some money to burn, then I feel like the PineTab-V is a prime-candidate pick-up option for you. Go on, do it, I dare you. Youre basically purchasing a dream helping to support and pave the way for a RISC-V powered future. The guts of the PineTab-V. At $209 for the top end version its not the worlds most expensive machine. The ARM version is obviously going to be far more usable (and is very tempting to me, personally) but I do so love the idea of a RISC-V tablet! The back of the PineTab-V. Not bad looking, right? And all Linux. No Android or iOS. Which makes it extra special. So many reasons to subscribe to The Lunduke Journal of Technology . Nerdy articles & podcasts every week. Plus A dozen eBooks Monthly PDF Magazine Premium Videos Other handy links: The Lunduke Journal of Technology Community Site The Lunduke Journal of Technology Podcast RSS Feed The Lunduke Journal of Technology Podcast on iTunes The Lunduke Journal of Technology Podcast on Spotify On Twitter (@LundukeJournal) ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://lunduke.substack.com/p/pine64-launches-a-risc-v-linux-tablet --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .