New $149 tablet runs Ubuntu 24.04 out of the box

The basic version of the DC-ROMA Pad II comes equipped with 4 G of RAM, 64 G of EMMC storage, and is powered by the newest SpacemiT K1 8-core RISC-V CPU, which is the same CPU found in the DC-ROMA Laptop II. Users can upgrade to standard, advanced, and premium versions of the device, bringing increased system RAM and storage. The premium version maxes the tablet out with 16 G of RAM and 128 G of EMMC storage. DeepComputing will also offer AOSP Android 15 upgrades to the advanced and premium versions in Q4 of 2024. All variants will include a 1200x1920 10.1" IPS panel, a 2 MP front-facing camera, a 5 MP rear-facing camera, a type C USB 3.0 port with Display Port, and an ever-elusive 3.5 mm headphone jack. 

With the device geared towards developers and hardcore tech enthusiasts, it may be difficult for most consumers to understand the relevance of this type of device. However, adopting the RISC-V architecture into personal computing platforms reinforces the movement of RISC-V beyond the realm of microcontrollers, where RISC-V is widely utilized today. Much like Linux, RISC-V is reducing the reliance on proprietary products offered by big tech. In this case, RISC-V creates an alternative to closed ISAs like x86 and ARM architectures. Despite having a long way to go, devices like the DC-ROMA Pad II are paving the way for the development of future RISC-V open-source projects. 

Please visit the links below for those interested in pre-ordering a tablet or learning more about RISC-V.