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.
Unfortunately, like all Juno products, they are way over priced.
Ignoring the fact that these tablets are not for your “every day standard consumer” I would be surprised if they sold more than 200 of these devices. Much prefer Starlabs network over Juno tbqh.
What is the point of the tab with the software, which isn’t optimized for touch control?