MeegoPad T02 has been around for a while running either Windows 8.1, Ubuntu, Android, or dual booting the operating systems. But in what might now be the cheapest Ubuntu computer based on an Intel processor, MeegoPad T02 pre-loaded with Ubuntu 14.10 is now selling for $72 shipped on GearBest.
As a reminder, here are Meegopad T02 specs:
- SoC – Intel Atom Z3735F “Bay Trail” quad core processor @ 1.33 GHz (Burst frequency: 1.83 GHz) with Intel HD Gen 7 graphics
- System Memory – 2 GB DDR3L-1333
- Storage – 32 GB eMMC + micro SD slot up to 64GB
- Video & Audio Output – HDMI 1.4, 1x audio jack
- Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi
- USB – 2x USB host ports, 1x micro USB 2.0 port
- Misc – Power button
- Power Supply – 5V/2A via micro USB port.
- Dimensions – 12.0 x 4.3 x 1.0 cm
- Weight – 55 grams
The package includes the TV stick, a USB cable, a power adapter, and a user’s manual in English. The only problem is that it’s unclear what you get. While the title and part of the description clearly mention Ubuntu 14.10 is pre-installed, the description itself indicates that “MeeGoPad T02 comes with a Windows 8.1 operating system”. Looking into the product description get even more confusing:
- Question: I need a product with Ubuntu 14.10 already installed , but I read that comes with windows .the question is: If I order my system comes with ubuntu or windows ?
Reply: Hi innin, The item installed with Ubuntu 14.10.
- Question: When you advertised the unit as UBUNTU version, please explain clearly… Does it mean the unit O/S is UBUNTU or windows 8.1 or BOTH? (dual O/S?)
Reply: Hi Bv, it is dual system. Thank you for your inquiry.
- Question: Does the windows 8.1 is full activated?
Reply: Hi Carl, the windows 8.1 is full activated. Thank you for your inquiry.
So the third answer is clearly wrong, but the first two answers just confirm that GearBest has no idea what’s installed the TV dongle there are selling. It’s also quite possible that the version installed does not support Bluetooth, nor audio output. So you should be prepared to install your own, and Ubuntu 14.04.3 image by Linuxium might be your best option. Beside GearBest, MeegoPad T02 with Ubuntu 14 can also be purchased on Aliexpress for $76.83.
Thanks for Gabe.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Meegopad has both questionable ethics and business practices.
Meegopad installed one of my earlier Linux development builds and then started selling it as the ‘Meegopad T02 Ubuntu Mini PC Compute Stick’ without telling me. Now it seems everyone is selling it which is not very good for customers given that the software is an old version with known issues plus Ubuntu 14.10 is EOL and will not get any security updates or bug fixes.
Meegopad has also recently found to be selling unlicensed Windows installations. To quote from Lon Seidman: “The Windows 10 Pro edition advertised on the Amazon listing is false and misleading. While Windows 10 professional is installed on the computer, it’s not a licensed copy. When I reached out to Meegopad they sent me instructions for cracking the activation!” (ref: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUZtkkyDfys).
And if people ‘must’ buy an Ubuntu Meegopad then I’d appreciate a donation to enable me to continue working on Ubuntu for the community.
@Linuxium
Thanks for your hard work. I still use your boot method for my rk3288 (now linux only) box.