Shogo Linux Tablet, a Potential iPad Killer: There is a new tablet PC in town that runs Linux, and its name is Shogo. Made by realease, a Hong Kong-based platform provider, this device features a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen and will be available in two models: one has a Freescale i.MX37 (ARM 11) processor; the other model is loaded with a Freescale i.MX51 (ARM Cortex A8) processor.
The Shogo tablet has tons of cool and useful features making it a potential iPad killer. On the hardware side, it has 1 external USB, 2 internal USB, motion sensor, Ethernet connector, microphone and headphone ports, front-facing web camera (2-Megapixel), ambient light sensor, accelerometer, and more. On the software side, the device is running Linux but we don't have further details about it. It could be Android, or could be a heavily customized Linux distro. However, it's certain that it will rely on HTML5-based applications, it will have Flash support, and it will feature Android-compatible development platform.
Since the Shogo is 100% open, developers can easily tweak its interface and functionality to suit users' needs. Obviously, the device is not marketed for a particular purpose because it's highly flexible and can be whatever you want it to be.
Since the Shogo is 100% open, developers can easily tweak its interface and functionality to suit users' needs. Obviously, the device is not marketed for a particular purpose because it's highly flexible and can be whatever you want it to be.
Shogo Tablet Technical Specifications:
* LCD 10.1“ resolution 1024×600
* Multi-Touch Capacitive panel (with coverglass)
* RAM 256MB DDR
* 4GB internal Storage NAND-Flash (1GB to 8GB)
* Ethernet 10/100
* WiFi (Atheros) b/g
* Bluetooth 2.1
* SDHC card reader
* Battery internal (8 hours+)
* 3G (with internal USB dongle optional)
* Zigbee (with internal USB dongle optional)
* Camera (2 Megapixel)
* 2 x speakers 2 W
* 5 buttons (on/off, + / – , home , menu)
* Foldable foot
* VESA mounting
* Kensington lock
* Size : 268 x 168 x 16 mm Weight : 800 gr.
Check out this video of the Shogo in action:
Cool, isn't it? For those of you who are interested, the Shogo will be available for consumers later this year and the unit price is at $500 USD.
Awesome!! I have an iPad, but will be getting the Shogo (Cortex A8 version) as soon as it is available.
ReplyDeleteThe key phrase is, "the Shogo will be available for consumers later this year".
ReplyDeleteI'm not holding my breath.
Freescale is the Darth Vader of the Semi Industry.
ReplyDeleteIt tends to deleter things when the product marketer gives up on NEXT quarter.
Yes I mean the processor!
Very nice tablet. I like the innovations in hardware, like the power saving sensor.
ReplyDeleteWith the instant success of the Apple iPad you can count on a bevy of competitors. The key to their success will be in the price and available apps.
ReplyDeleteAt $500 the Shogo is in the same ballpark as the iPad. The choice of Android as the OS is wise. Although Android does not have as many apps as Apple, it is coming on strongly and in a few months may be an excellent alternative. It will not be an iPad "killer" unless they can get the price down a bit. However, the presence of an Ethernet connector and a camera will definitely attract customers.
Typical of Apple will be improvements to the iPad in the same time frame. Already they have announced OS 4 which will have multitasking and improved file management. And you can bet that there will be a next generation device with hardware improvements in a year or two if not earlier.
This will be a doorstop. Apple's product is a lot more than just hardware. If you are looking to buy a device that you can just use, the iPad is a way better solution.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to buy this thing than try to load up your own version of Android, or Ubuntu. Who is going to support it and update it? - the Shogo people. Unlikely. For that lack of support, a $150 price tag would be a little more appropriate.
Ethernet is handy for a mobile device - so is a power cord :)
Needs GPS for GEO tagging. and a second camera port so that you can take photos of items/people. possibley for a material control type of app.
ReplyDeleteStill costs more money than my Asus T101MT... No thanks.
ReplyDeletewell I have the previous model the shogo digital (www.myshogo.com) frame with touch screen etc. It works well but they just stopped supporting it and quality is questionable. Pretty much a dead product. So please keep this on your mind when buying this product
ReplyDeleteEh, I'd rather get a Touchbook. For the same price, you'd get a physical, but removable keyboard.
ReplyDeletei purchased a couple of these to see if they would work for for me and after taking a look at them they were not a fit. i asked the developer to return these (within 30 days) and he charged me 40%. i would stay clear from this product because he has no return policy whatsoever. stick domestic and have some assurance you can return the item if it isn't for you.
ReplyDeletegreetings from germany.
ReplyDeletevery interesting. i hope that it will be availaable in germany this year.