Laptops

Linux-based Pinebook Pro has 1080p display, multi-core processing and privacy switches

Linux-based Pinebook Pro has 1080p display, multi-core processing and privacy switches
The Pinebook Pro from Pine64 comes with a six-core processing brain, 4 GB or RAM and 64 GB of solid state storage
The Pinebook Pro from Pine64 comes with a six-core processing brain, 4 GB or RAM and 64 GB of solid state storage
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The Pinebook Pro can run a custom Linux Debian operating system, the Chromium OS or Android 9
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The Pinebook Pro can run a custom Linux Debian operating system, the Chromium OS or Android 9
The Pinebook Pro's USB-C port can be used for power, data or video out
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The Pinebook Pro's USB-C port can be used for power, data or video out
The Pinebook Pro from Pine64 comes with a six-core processing brain, 4 GB or RAM and 64 GB of solid state storage
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The Pinebook Pro from Pine64 comes with a six-core processing brain, 4 GB or RAM and 64 GB of solid state storage
The keyboard of the Pinebook Pro has been treated to privacy switches for the camera, microphone and wireless connectivity
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The keyboard of the Pinebook Pro has been treated to privacy switches for the camera, microphone and wireless connectivity
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When shopping for a new laptop, most of us would plump for a Windows-based or macOS-based system. Or if you're on a tight budget, a low cost, online working Chromebook may suit. But Linux-based systems are also available, the latest coming from Pine64 – a 14-inch portable with an attractive US$200 price tag.

Designed to rival mid-range Chromebooks, the Pinebook Pro is built around the Rockchip RK3300 system-on-chip with ARM Cortex 1.8 GHz dual-core A72 and a 1.4 GHz A53 processors and Mali graphics. The 14-inch Full HD laptop comes with 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage (though this is expandable) and a bootable microSD slot.

The Pinebook Pro can run a custom Linux Debian operating system, the Chromium OS or Android 9
The Pinebook Pro can run a custom Linux Debian operating system, the Chromium OS or Android 9

It features a USB-C port for data, power and video out (at up to 4K/60 Hz), as well as USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectivity. There's Bluetooth 5.0 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi, a front-facing webcam, stereo speakers and a 10,000 mAh Lithium Polymer battery. And there are privacy switches on the keyboard for the camera, microphone and wireless connectivity.

The Pro will ship with a custom Linux Debian build, but can run the Chromium OS and Android 9 if desired.

The Pinebook Pro is up for pre-order for $199.99, and shipping is expected to start next month. That's quite a lot of laptop for such a small price tag.

Product page: Pinebook Pro

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