Spark tablet runs Linux, costs £165

Ripe for home-brew softwareTablets News By Jools Whitehorn Monday at 09:31 UTC | Tell us what you think [ 2 comments ]

Tweet Feel free to tinker

Details of the Spark Linux-based tablet have emerged which actively encourages users to play with its software.

The 7-inch tablet will be running an open-source OS based on Linux, called KDE Plasma Active UX.

The new slate is aimed at those who like to tinker with their tablets, allowing users to program their own software in Linux without having to go in the back door by rooting their devices as you'd have to in Android or iOS.

The Spark has an 800 x 480px screen with a 1.3 megapixel camera for video calling. Inside, there's a 1GHz AMLogic ARM processor with a Mali-400 GPU and 500MB of RAM.

There's also 4GB of internal storage, with room for more via an SD card slot.

The tablet will go on sale for €200 (£165) across Europe, with pre-order starting this week and it's expected to start delivery in May.

Free to do what you want to do

The Spark was announced by KDE developer Aaron Siego, who says, "this is a unique opportunity for Free software. Finally we have a device coming to market on our terms. It has been designed by and is usable by us on our terms."

"We are not waiting for some big company to give us what we desire, we're going out there and making it happen together. Just as important: the proceeds will be helping fuel the efforts that make this all possible."

The Plasma OS has been adapted to work on a variety of devices including netbooks and televisions. The Spark comes with Plasma Active which is tailored specifically to tablet use.

From Asiego via netbooknews.com

Tags: spark, tablet, plasma, linux, open sourceTweetreddit!StumbleuponComment on this article  Your comments (2) Click to add a new commentfoxmeister

Monday at 12:42 UTC

2. This sounded really interesting up to the point I saw the screen resolution is only 800x480.

I'm sure plenty of people will disagree, but having owned a 7" Galaxy Tab, and a 7" HTC Flyer with their 1024x600 screens, I don't think 800x480 really cuts it at 7", regardless of price point.

I would pay more for a higher resolution screen.

It's a shame, because otherwise this sounds like a nice device!

Alert a moderator

simon_m

Monday at 09:55 UTC

1. Want.

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