The PengPod tablet is slightly different from most tablets on the market as it has been designed to dual-boot both Android 4.0 and Linux 3.0.42. This unique feature was first unveiled late last year, capturing the interest of tech enthusiasts and developers alike.
If you have been patiently waiting for it to start shipping, you will be pleased to learn that the tablet is now available and ready to ship worldwide. Watch an unboxing of the PengPod tablet after the jump.
Specifications and Features
The PengPod is equipped with a 7-inch (PengPod700) or 10-inch (PengPod1000) screen, catering to different user preferences for portability and screen real estate. Both models are powered by an A10 chip supported by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of ROM, with up to 32GB of expandable storage via a microSD card slot. Connectivity options include USB, WiFi, and HDMI, making it versatile for various uses such as media consumption, productivity, and even light gaming.
The dual-boot capability allows users to switch between Google’s Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system and a Linux distro. This flexibility is particularly appealing to developers and tech-savvy users who want to experiment with different operating systems on a single device.
User Experience and Performance
However, some early adopters who have already received their PengPod tablets have reported a few issues with the Linux side of the operating system. While the Android 4.0 ICS runs smoothly, providing a familiar and responsive user experience, the performance tends to degrade when booted into the Linux distro. Users have noted that the tablet becomes more clunky and less responsive, which could be a significant drawback for those who primarily intend to use the Linux environment.
These performance issues could be attributed to several factors, such as the optimization of the Linux distro for the hardware or the inherent limitations of the A10 chip when running more resource-intensive applications. It’s worth noting that the PengPod community is quite active, and there are ongoing efforts to improve the Linux experience through software updates and community-driven projects.
For more information on the new PengPod and early user experiences, jump over to the Liliputing website for more details and reports.
Potential and Future Developments
Despite the mixed reviews, the PengPod tablet represents an exciting step forward in the realm of dual-boot devices. The ability to run both Android and Linux on a single tablet opens up numerous possibilities for customization and specialized applications. For instance, developers can use the Linux environment for coding and testing applications, while casual users can enjoy the wide range of apps available on Android.
Looking ahead, the success of the PengPod could inspire other manufacturers to explore dual-boot capabilities in their devices. This could lead to a broader range of options for consumers who want more control over their device’s operating system and functionality.
The PengPod tablet offers a unique proposition with its dual-boot capability, appealing to a niche market of tech enthusiasts and developers. While there are some performance issues with the Linux distro, the active community and potential for future updates make it a device worth considering for those interested in exploring the possibilities of dual-boot tablets.
Source: Liliputing
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