Juno Computers, a UK-based company specializing in creating laptops running on open-source software, has gained a reputation for producing high-quality Linux-powered devices.
At the same time, in a market dominated by Android and iPadOS, the company made a bold move last year with the Juno Tab, trying to bring a Linux-powered tablet to the mass public.
A year later, its successor, Juno Tab 2, is now available for pre-order. So let’s see what has changed about it.
Juno Tab 2 Highlights
We immediately notice that the Juno Tab 2 has the same processor as its predecessor – a quad-core Intel Celeron N5100. Instead, you now get a larger 11-inch 2K IPS display with 2160x1440px resolution.
The tablet is equipped with 12GB LPDDR4 RAM (still soldered to the mainboard), 128GB SSD (up to 2TB optional), and a built-in 22.8Wh battery providing around 5 hours of run time.
Connectivity-wise, Juno Tab 2 offers support for WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, Intel AC7265 wireless card, 2 x USB-C 3.1 ports, a USB2.0 port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. In the table below is the whole device specification.
| CPU | Intel Celeron N5100 (4 Cores / 4 Threads) 1.10GHz (Turbo 2.80 GHz) |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Memory | 12GB LPDDR4 RAM / 128GB storage (up to 2TB) |
| Communication | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 2.4 and 5GHz Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Battery | 2500 mAh 22.8Wh, 7.6V |
| Display | 11″ 2K IPS Touchscreen (2180x1440px) 60 Hz refresh rate |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.1 (no charging or video) 1x USB-C 3.1 (Supports charging + video out) 1x Micro SD (TF) 3.5MM microSD card reader 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Audio | Realtek ALC269VB Built-in speaker stereo output 8R/1.0W x 2 |
| Keyboard | US, detachable keyboard |
| Dimensions | 9.80″ x 6.89″ x 0.39″ 249mm x 175mm x 10mm |
As can be seen from the specification, the device falls into the mid-range category. But the thing that makes the difference here, though, between the Juno Tab 2 and other similar devices is the OS – here, you can use a full-featured Linux system.
In addition to the Mobian Phosh (a Wayland-based shell for GNOME designed explicitly for mobile devices) and Manjaro Plasma Mobile available since last year’s model, the manufacturers are now adding the option to order the tablet with a preinstalled Ubuntu 22.04 LTS “Jammy Jellyfish” or the distro’s latest up-to-date version, 23.04 “Lunar Lobster.”
In addition, Juno Tab 2 also supports the experimental build of Debian Plasma Mobile, which will surely appeal to open-source enthusiasts. And last but not least, the device now comes with a detachable keyboard that turns it into a (almost) full-featured laptop replacement.
You can refer to the manufacturer’s website for more detailed information about the tablet. Juno Tab 2 is available for pre-order, starting at $525.
