Fusion Garage Linux Tablet Launches In The UK

UK users not wanting to jump onboard the Apple bandwagon by buying an iPad, now have the option of buying a Linux-based alternative, dubbed the JooJoo tablet PC.

JooJoo Tablet

The JooJoo tablet PC comes from a Singapore development studio called Fusion Garage. The unit itself measures 198 x 320 x 25mm and weights 1.1 kgs. It comes with a 12.1in touchscreen that offers 1366 x 768 pixel resolution. Other features includes Wi-Fi connectivity (wireless b and g only) for Internet surfing, as well as Bluetooth connectivity.

Unlike the Apple iPad, it offers support for Flash video (plus Java), as well as containing a USB port. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone and build in speakers, plus a built-in webcam (1.3 megapixels), and a charging port. It also contains an ambient light sensor and accelerometer.

The tablet runs the Ubuntu Linux operating system capable of multitasking, with a bootup time of nine seconds.

Hardware wise, it is thought to run a 1.6GHz Atom processor with 1GB RAM, with Nvidia Ion chipset, which allows it to handle 1080p (full HD quality) YouTube video for example. It also has a 4GB solid state drive, and the battery should allow for 5 hours web surfing before a recharge.

A full-size touch keyboard appears when required, but disappears when web surfing or viewing media. There is no mention of external card storage or HDMI output.

Legal Issues

The JooJoo went on sale in the United States at the end of March after a three month delay, and the device has been dogged by rumours of poor sales. However a JooJoo spokesman has responded to the poor sales claims, by saying these reports arose from unsubstantiated claims by a blog in the US, and that actual sales figures are not yet available.

The device is also at the centre of a legal tussle. The tablet, formerly known as the CrunchPad, was (according to TechCrunch) originally the brainchild of technology blog editor Michael Arrington. However it was produced by Fusion Garage, which was working with Arrington to release it as the CrunchPad.

However in November 2009 Fusion Garage informed Arrington it would be selling the product alone. Arrington has responded by filing a lawsuit against Fusion Garage.

Pricing

With the arrival of the JooJoo, which entered full production on 3 February, the possibility of a substantial price war within the tablet PC space could now exist, in what was previously a niche industry before the arrival of the Apple iPad.

While UK prices for the Apple iPad have yet to be announced, the entry level cost in the US of a 16GB Wi-Fi only version of the iPad costs $499 (£328). UK prices for the iPad are likely to be higher.

Meanwhile the JooJoo is available to UK users for £319 ($485), plus VAT. A stand is also available for a further £29 ($44). For users in France and Germany it will cost 359 euros (£312).