While Canonical and BQ created the first Ubuntu tablet to offer support for both mobile and desktop user interfaces, the BQ Aquaris M10 slate uses a MediaTek processor that might not provide enough juice for some users. MJ Technology aims to take this market niche to the next level and kicks off a crowdfunding campaign for a new Ubuntu tablet that uses an Intel Atom Cherry Trail processor.
MJ Technology's campaign aims to raise at least $200,000 USD and those interested to get a tablet can choose one of the four models available for prices between $230 USD and $500 USD. These are their names and key specs:
- Tanto - 10.1-inch full HD IPS, Intel Atom x7-Z8750, 2 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC internal storage, 8500 mAh
- Mini Tanto - 10.1-inch full HD IPS, Intel Atom x5-Z8350, 2 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC internal storage, 8500 mAh
- Wakizashi - 8.9-inch full HD IPS, Intel Atom x7-Z8750, 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD internal storage, 7500 mAh
- Katana - 10.1-inch full HD IPS, Intel Atom x7-Z8750, 4 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD internal storage, 8500 mAh
The Wakizashi and Katana have Mini versions as well, both with 128 GB eMMC internal storage instead of the 256 GB SSD of the regular variants. The campaign is off to a very slow start, with only $6 USD pledged so far. If things move in the right direction and MJ Technology gets the funds required, we will probably hear more about these Linux-driven slates in early May.