linux based tablet.

[justpeon]

ubuntu may come out with a tablet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEhetGMWVdI

[replica9000]

I don't really see it competing with an Android tablet.

[tokenuser]

Originally Posted by replica9000

I don't really see it competing with an Android tablet.

Yep.

Even if the operating system is "free" ... look at the hardware costs.
The Kindle Fire is sold by Amazon at a loss just to get people hooked into their ecosystem.

The ubuntu device had a price of around $400 as well for a 16GB version. Margins at that price point are going to be so thin that it would not be economical to build for the 3 people that want one.

So ... for those that want a taste, the Fire is $199 ... and an iPad is $499. Each of those devices run an OS designed to be touch screen, and have a ton of apps via the Android or Apple Apps Stores to run on them.

AH HA! You say. What about all the freeware *nix programs you could run on the Ubuntu pad. Unfortunately, they are designed for the a mouse/keyboard centered OS, so while the cost is right, the usability will be a dog. Even the onscreen keyboard looks clunky. Interesting POC, but lacking as a serious contender to the tablet market.

[replica9000]

Also, one could take an existing Android tablet, root it, and then dual boot with Debian (or Ubuntu). Then it just comes down to choice of hardware.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z9dL65Aqc8

[justpeon]

Amazing how people can tell you how a device will work without ever using it.