DeepComputing has unveiled a new version of its DC-ROMA RISC-V tablet, and this one runs Ubuntu.
The new DC-ROMA RISC-V Pad II sports a 10.1 inch (1920×1200) IPS 10-point touch display, and is powered by the same SpacemiT K1 SoC used their RISC-V Ubuntu laptop (which launched in June with a confused set of pricing tiers and availability).
The SpacemiT K1 features eight 64-bit RISC-V cores running at up to 2.0 GHz, plus RVA 22 Profile and 256-bit RVV 1.0 extensions to provide “powerful AI capabilities”. There’s also an 800 MHz Imagine Technologies BXE-2-2 GPU.
Memory wise, this slate is equipped with 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM, but 8 GB and 16 GB options are available. All versions feature 64 GB eMMC storage but the 16 GB RAM model is available with a 128 GB eMMC instead — upgrades do increase the cost, of course.
A 6000 mAh battery, front and rear cameras, a USB Type-C 3.0 port (with DisplayPort for connecting to external monitor), and a 3.5mm audio jack also feature. There’s no mention of a microSD card slot or speakers, oddly.
The DC-ROMA RISC-V Pad II ships with Ubuntu 24.04 pre-installed. I’d imagine, like the Ubuntu 23.10 build used on the ROMA II laptop, this will have minor differences to stock Ubuntu, e.g., Chromium instead of Firefox, and preinstalled DeepComputing tool.
Not into Ubuntu? I won’t hold it against you. DeepComputing say the 16GB model will be able to run (a custom build of) Android 15 AOSP in the near future.
Who Needs a RISC-V Tablet?
“With native RISC-V development and compilation capabilities, the DC-ROMA RISC-V Pad II can provide the same level of development environment and experience as the DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II,” the company says of the slate.
Code compiling on a touchscreen keyboard might not be everyone’s idea of fun so the Pad II also supports external keyboards and mouse too.
RISC-V computing is a promising field but best ploughed by developers, early adopters, and tech enthusiasts at present. RISC-V chip performance is improving, but it’s not “there” for mainstream adoption — yet.
The DC-ROMA RISC-V Pad II would struggle to outperform a cheap, second-hand ARM-based Android tablet from 5 years ago.
But without reliable (and affordable) RISC-V hardware for enthusiasts to tinker with, the software side won’t mature.
So what this tablet may lack in bang-for-buck, it makes up for in opportunity: the chance to explore, test, and contribute to the growth of the open-source, royalty-free RISC-V technology.
Buy the DC-ROMA RISC-V Pad II
Interested in the idea of an Ubuntu-powered RISC-V tablet and want to buy one? You can pre-order the DC-ROMA RISC-V Pad II from $149 on the DeepComputing website.
The slates are scheduled to start shipping in September, though keep in mind that they will be sent from China so shipping will be added on top. Also be aware of potential import costs that may be applicable.