A new Ubuntu tablet is on the market – but it comes with company.
The Ekoore Python S tablet ships with three operating systems installed. Only one OS can be used at a time on the device.
- Ubuntu 11.10
- Windows 7
- Android 4.0 (Ice-Cream Sandwich)
On to the hardware.
Specification wise the Python sports a notable difference from most tablets already on the market: it uses an Intel Atom CPU rather than an ARM processor. It’s this which allows the Python S to run Windows 7.
Full specs:
- Intel Atom N455 1.60Ghz CPU (Single Core)
- Integrated Graphics (website states clocked at 200Mhz)
- Up to 2GB RAM
- Up to 64GB SSD
- 10.1 inch capacitive touch screen
- Wifi, Bluetooth, 3G, Accelerometer
- 5 Hour Battery
- Mini VGA
- 2xUSB
- Microphone/headphone jack
- MicroSD card slot
- SIM Card Slot
The case of the tablet does, from the handful of press shots available, look okay.
It’s chunkier (14.5mm) than the svelte slates most of us are used to seeing (the ASUS Transformer Prime is 8.3mm thick), but given the Intel NM10 chipset (and fan!) its housing this is to be expected.
The blue-backlit buttons on the front of the device are pretty nice touch (pun intended).
Ubuntu on the Ekoore
Ekoore ship the Python S with a custom version of Ubuntu 11.10 using GNOME Shell.
Why Shell? Likely because GNOME-Shell is generally more ‘touch friendly’ than Unity. It has big chunky window controls; managing and opening apps via the Activities Overlay is easier, and, perhaps importantly, it sports an elegant pop-up on-screen keyboard in the form of ‘Caribou‘.
Ubuntu on the other hand is a fiddle to use; Overlay-scrollbars are difficult to reveal/drag using a finger, as is un-hiding the Unity launcher; window controls are tiny; the ‘onboard’ screen keyboard is functional but not touch-orientated; switching between full-screen applications is difficult, etc.
Accessories
Additional purchases to compliment the device include a ‘folio’ case with built-in keyboard, capacitive stylus, and car mount.
Summary
The Ekoore Python S is no dream Ubuntu tablet. The antiquated CPU and Chipset doesn’t support HD, and the trade off in weight and thickness inorder to support Windows 7 means it’s more of a slab than a slate.
But options are nice to have and the Ekoore is seemingly nice enough. Nice enough for a duck under £500? Not in my eyes.
Thanks to Jason S