Pine64 has announced that their open-source e-ink tablet will be making a comeback.
The PineNote was first introduced in 2021, following the popularity of its other non-SBC devices such as the PinePhone (and the subsequent Pro version), the PineTab, and the PineBook. As with many of Pine64’s products, software development is mainly driven by the community.
Initially, only a limited number of developer units were available, attracting mainly enthusiasts from the open-source sector who possessed the skills and motivation to install a modern Linux operating system on the device, and adapt it for use with the e-ink display.
As community bloggers at Pine64 have pointed out, this development process has taken considerable time:
“The PineNote was in a difficult situation, facing significant challenges due to the high production costs associated with manufacturing the device (the expense of ePaper screens is still considerable). This made the prospect of producing units without a functional Linux OS, which could result in poor sales, a substantial risk.”
Nevertheless, the longstanding issue has finally been resolved.
The PineNote now features a dependable Debian-based operating system, crafted by Maximilian Weigand. This system is characterized as “not just a minimalist operating system but a genuinely usable daily platform that ‘just works’,” as noted by the Pine64 blog.
It is reported to incorporate the GNOME desktop along with several extensions tailored to optimize the user interface for e-ink displays. Current PineNote users are able to download the new operating system image, install it on their devices, and contribute to its testing.
In terms of specifications, the PineNote features a 10.1-inch e-ink display that can handle up to 16 levels of greyscale. It boasts a resolution of 1404×1872 (227 DPI) and operates on a quad-core RK3566 SoC, complemented by 4 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage.
The device also comes equipped with 2 microphones, 2 speakers, a single USB Type-C port for both charging and data transfer, along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. A front light with 36 levels of warm and cold lighting enhances the reading and note-taking experience in dim conditions, and it features physical buttons for paging and erasing.
The next production run may incorporate some minor updates based on user feedback. A significant change will be the inclusion of a passive (non-charging) stylus, replacing the current active version.
The touch and stylus functionality are key attractions of the PineNote, making it a compelling libre alternative to other e-ink note-taking devices like the Remarkable series, Onyx BOOX, and Amazon Kindle Scribe.
Unlike typical devices, this one offers the potential for much more than just reading e-books or jotting down lecture notes, particularly due to its relatively powerful internal SoC.
While the price is yet to be confirmed, the initial run for early adopters had the PineNote priced at $399. This package included a magnetic cover and an EMR pen stylus; however, Pine64 mentioned that both the cover and the stylus would be available for separate purchase during the general sale, so it’s something to keep in consideration.
As for the release date of the PineNote, there’s no specific announcement yet, but it has been stated that “plans formalized for a production run” are underway.
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