martes, 17 de septiembre de 2013

ZaReason Makes its Open Tablet: The ZaTab ZT2

Visiting ZaReason, a vendor of Linux PCs, I discovered that now they are offering a new device, ZaTab ZT2.  That's, according to their site, "the first open and hackable tablet":

"Some manufacturers consider "root" to be a four-letter-word. We don't. The ZaTab is an open device. The bootloader is unlocked. Root access is available. We welcome the community to develop custom ROMs and port other Linux distros to the ZaTab." 


I must say they got my attention.  I bought a laptop from them last year, an Alto 4330, and its specs and performance really satisfied me.  In fact, I am typing this entry from it.  

I've been reluctant to buy a tablet because I wanted an open device.  I've been waiting for the Vivaldi tablet, of course...but I think I may give the ZaTab ZT2 a try meanwhile.  It costs $300.

Unlike the other systems that ZaReason offers, you cannot choose the OS to be preloaded.  It is Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. 

Here are the tablet's specs:



  • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
  • Allwinner A31 SoC (4-core CPU, 8-core GPU)
  • 10.1" IPS 1280x800 display
  • 5 point capacitive touchscreen
  • 8 GB internal storage + microSD for additional storage
  • 2 GB RAM
  • WiFi (802.11 b/g/n)
  • Front (.3 megapixels) and Back (5 megapixels) cameras
  • Sturdy metal back
  • Stereo Speakers
  • High-capacity 6000 mAh battery
  • Ultra-light 600 grams
Ports:
  • Headphone
  • microSD card slot
  • miniHDMI video out
  • microUSB port
Package includes:
  • Tablet
  • AC Adapter
  • USB Cable
  • Source Code

It's good to have vendors that offer open devices!


4 comentarios:

  1. Thanks for the news!
    This sounds like a great Xmas gift!

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  2. Those specs sound about right. And at a good price too. hehe though giving full access to root sounds to me like giving a hammer at the same time as a fragile new toy to a kid. But yeah, sounds good if you know what you're doing.

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  3. @Fenrir88,

    Yes, you are absolutely right! I can sense it already; it feels like living my childhood all over again! (Yep, Toy Story's "Sid" was probably based on the *totoro brothers)

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