After discontinuing its first open-source pill, Pine64 is again for spherical two. The corporate teased its upcoming PineTab2 throughout an end-of-year replace. Like all Pine64 gadgets, the PineTab2 is meant for hackers, hobbyists, and programmers—it’s straightforward to change and restore, identical to the PinePhone.
The unique PineTab was deserted as a consequence of provide chain shortages. Now that issues are kinda sorta returning to regular, Pine64 can construct and promote tablets once more, therefore the rationale for this product’s return.
Fortunately, the PineTab2 appears much more trendy than its predecessor. It makes use of a brand new backlit keyboard case (which is included with the machine) and provides USB-C charging, which the earlier machine lacked. The keyboard jogs my memory of Logitech’s Combo Contact for the iPad, because it’s backlit, has an built-in kickstand, and doubles as a protecting case. (By the way in which, customized firmware made for the PineBook Professional keyboard will work on this pill’s keyboard.)
The pill’s chassis is now manufactured from metallic, which is a large improve from the plastic physique of the unique PineTab. Nonetheless, you possibly can open this pill’s chassis by undoing a number of clips, which is fairly useful.
Spec-wise, we’re taking a look at a Rockchip RK3566 SoC, which Pine64 additionally makes use of in its PineBook Professional laptop computer. Prospects can select between 4GB/64GB and 8GB/128GB configurations for RAM and flash storage, and the machine options each a 2MP selfie digicam and 5MP rear digicam.
The PineTab2 makes use of a single USB-C port for charging, although it additionally has a USB-C 3.0 information port. There’s additionally a headphone jack and microSD slot. Oh, and Pine64 notes that the PCIE is uncovered on this machine’s PCB—good luck discovering any equipment that match within the 9mm-thick chassis, although.
Different specs are unknown. This pill continues to be a piece in progress, and Pine64 hasn’t selected all of the parts. Pine64 goals to launch the PineTab2 someday after the Lunar New 12 months, which is January 22rd of 2023.
The unique PineTab was a bit area of interest, as most tinkerers appear to want a laptop computer just like the PineBook. Nonetheless, it generated a little bit of hype, and a few folks beloved the standard machine. I’m to see if the PineTab2 can attain a wider viewers.
Supply: Pine64 through NotebookCheck