BQ, a Spanish device-maker, has finally lifted the veil on a new Ubuntu-powered tablet that also doubles as a standalone PC. While the original Auquarius M10 tablet was released a while back, the new Ubuntu version is set to launch in the 2nd quarter of this year. Its ability to operate on-the-go or at home will likely strike a chord with fans of the software. More details below.
The 10.1-inch tablet is driven by a 1.5GHz quad-core chipset manufactured by MediaTek. It comes in at 8mm thick and weighs just over one-pound. With a full 1080p HD multi-touch capacitive screen and 16:10 display, the M10 has many familiar characteristics. Additionally, there is 16GB of internal storage, 2GB of memory and a MicroSD slot that can handle cards up to 64GB in size. You’ll also find a 7,280mAh battery inside, but BQ doesn’t provide many details in the way of expected usage. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, a 8MP camear and micro-HDMI connectivity round out the list of specs.
Ubuntu has been working on finding a tablet manufacturer to work with for years. Having found a partner that is able to put out a tablet and PC-style product is an added bonus. The convergence of two devices into one is bound to be popular with the Ubuntu crowd. At this time, there are already over 30 million users across the globe that have adopted this software platform.
Users will be able to “seamlessly” transition from a touchscreen tablet to a full-on PC experience by connecting a monitor to the micro-HDMI port. From there, additional input devices can be added to complete the setup. Jane Silber, CEO of Canonical and Ubuntu, had this say:
“We’re bringing you everything you’ve come to expect from your Ubuntu PC, now on the tablet with BQ, soon on smartphones. This isn’t a phone interface stretched to desktop size – it’s the right user experience and interaction model for the given situation. Also, in terms of applications, we have something no other OS can provide: a single, visual framework and set of tools for applications to run on any type of Ubuntu smart device.”
The Aquarius M10 Ubuntu Edition will run the full gamut of applications that Ubuntu users are familiar with. It is slated for release during Q2 of this year. Pricing has yet to be announced.
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Source: Canonical
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