One of the most interesting features of the Kno tablet is not the hardware or software but the way in which it is being developed. Anyone can go to the project’s website and join the advisory panel to offer their input on development. They are particularly looking for educators and other thinkers who could be eventual customers. Furthermore, the operating system of the Kno is Ubuntu Linux with a Webkit-based interface. This means that all apps for the Kno are written in HTML, CSS, and Javascript. The Kno gives students the ability to take notes with an included pen, right on the screen, and even make notes and annotations directly on their textbooks, highlighting key words, dropping in sticky notes, or circling important items. It also supports video playback in a variety of formats, including Adobe Flash player.
Technical Specifications
Display:
14.1 inch single or dual color LCD backlit glossy widescreen multi-touch displays 1440×800 WXGA resolution 262,144 colors Anti-glare film screen with hard coat surface
Input:
Fingers and Pen stylus (for note taking)
Processor:
Nvidia Tegra T200 series CPU ( based on the Dual-core ARM Cortex -A9 MPCore) 1.0GHz
Memory:
512 MB RAM
Storage:
16 GB or 32 GB flash memory
OS:
Ubuntu 9.10
Other Hardware:
Micro USB 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack Microphone with active noise cancellation Accelerometer – 3 Axis +/- 1.5 g Ambient light sensor
Power:
DC power connector 50.6 watt-hour lithium polymer battery (6 hours usage)
Wireless:
IEEE 802.11 b/g Bluetooth 2.0+EDR technology
Software Features:
eReader Note-Taking with a pen PDF annotation – Web apps for Docs (Google Docs or Office Live) Virtual keyboard Built-in Webkit-based browser
Audo Playback:
AAC-LC, MP3, WMA 10, PCM/WAV (Ogg Vorbis support interestingly not listed)
Video Playback:
H.264 – 1080p, WMV9/VC-1 1080p, MPEG-4 – 1080p, JPEG up to 80 megapixel per second, HTML5 video, and Adobe Flash
Price:
Single Screen 16GB: $599 – 32GB: $699 Dual Screen 16GB $899 – 32GB: $999
Average cost of traditional textbooks:
$121
Average cost of Kno textbooks:
$63
Pre-orders of the Kno have just started shipping to select customers. It will eventually be something that schools can purchase in bulk, distribute to students, and even allow the students to take home and use whenever they need it. The company behind Kno sees itself as an innovator hoping to change education, the way people learn and the way knowledge is used. This is a lofty goal, but it is definitely one that warrants attention. One thing I do Kno for sure is that this tablet will likely change the landscape of the tablet market for the better.
