Difference between revisions of "PineTab"

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[[File:Pinetab.jpg|400px|thumb|right|The PineTab]]


{{warning|1=IMPORTANT INFORMATION for '''Early Adopters''' - please [[PineTab/Early-Adopter|'''CLICK HERE''']] - some '''known issues''' are listed there}}
The '''PineTab''' is a 10" tablet created by PINE64. The PineTab is similar in both form, function and underlying ARM64 architecture to the original 11.6″ Pinebook. It is powered by the same quad-core ARM Cortex A53 64-Bit Processor used in our popular PINE A64 Single Board Computer. The optional keyboard and trackpad – which doubles-up as a screen cover – effectively converts the PineTab into a petite on-the-go laptop with a touch screen functionality. It runs numerous mainline Linux distributions as well as *BSD and Android. 


The PineTab is a 10" tablet created by Pine64.
Superseded by [[PineTab2]].
== Revisions ==
 
* Developer Edition - development version sent to roughly 100 developers. Close to the Early Adopter Edition, but with a different display panel
* [[PineTab/Early-Adopter|Early Adopter Edition]] - the first hardware revision of the PineTab
 
[[File:PineTabBoard.jpeg|400px|thumb|right|The insides of the PineTab]]
 
[[File:PineTab_Board.jpg|thumb|right|Pinetab Board]]


== Specifications ==
== Specifications ==
Line 19: Line 27:
* '''RAM:''' 2GB LPDDR3
* '''RAM:''' 2GB LPDDR3
* '''I/O:''' HD Video Out (Mini HDMI), Micro USB 2.0 OTG, USB 2.0 A host, 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo,
* '''I/O:''' HD Video Out (Mini HDMI), Micro USB 2.0 OTG, USB 2.0 A host, 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo,
* '''Network'''
* '''Network:'''
** WiFi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4GHz only)
** WiFi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4GHz only)
** Bluetooth 2.1
** Bluetooth 2.1
** M.2 LTE / Cell MODEM card, (optional, and takes place of optional M.2 SSD)
** M.2 LTE / Cell MODEM card, (optional, and takes place of optional M.2 SSD)
* '''Screen:''' 10.1" IPS 800x1280 Capacitive LCD
* '''Display:'''
** '''Size:''' 10.1 inches (257mm) diagonal
** '''Type:''' HD IPS capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
** '''Resolution:''' 1280x800, 16:10 ratio <br>
* '''Attachments/Accessories:''' Magnetically attached keyboard (optional)
* '''Attachments/Accessories:''' Magnetically attached keyboard (optional)
* '''Battery:''' 6000MAh (6Ah)
* '''Battery:''' 6000MAh (6Ah)
* '''Misc. features:'''  
* '''Misc. features:'''  
** Volume rocker and home button
** Volume rocker
** Speakers and Microphone
** Speakers and Microphone
** 2.5mm OD 0.7mm ID DC Jack Power (5V 2A) Port
** 2.5mm OD 0.7mm ID DC Jack Power (5V 2A) Port
Line 34: Line 45:
'''Overview:''' The PineTab detachable keyboard features a full function row, FN key functionality, meta key (where the Windows key would be) and all of the keys you need for daily use.
'''Overview:''' The PineTab detachable keyboard features a full function row, FN key functionality, meta key (where the Windows key would be) and all of the keys you need for daily use.


'''FN keys:''': Pause/play (F2), Stop (F3), Previous(F4), Next(F5), Music (F6), Mail (F7), Home (F8), Mute (F9), Vol- (F10), Vol+ (F11), Disable touchpad (F12), NumLock (Insert), Scroll Lock (Delete), PgUp (Up Arrow), PgDn (Down Arrow), Home (Left Arrow), End (Right Arrow), Digital Numpad (7,8,9,0,U,I,O,P,J,K,L,;,M,.,/)
'''FN keys:''' Pause/play (F2), Stop (F3), Previous(F4), Next(F5), Music (F6), Mail (F7), Home (F8), Mute (F9), Vol- (F10), Vol+ (F11), Disable touchpad (F12), NumLock (Insert), Scroll Lock (Delete), PgUp (Up Arrow), PgDn (Down Arrow), Home (Left Arrow), End (Right Arrow), Digital Numpad (7,8,9,0,U,I,O,P,J,K,L,;,M,.,/)
 
== Operating Systems ==
The PineTab will automatically boot from microSD if a bootable card is inserted. Although it is technically possible to use any ARM distro (because the PineTab uses the mainline kernel), only few of them will actually be usable on Early Adopters PineTab, due to specifics of working with LCD panel. Among those listed all except for postmarketOS have working builds.
 
=== Arch Linux ARM ===
[[File:Archlinux-logo.png|right|80px]]
 
Unofficial '''Arch Linux ARM''' with Phosh as the UI selection, maintained by the DanctNIX community.
 
Download:
* The latest image can be downloaded [https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Pine64-Arch/releases here]
 
-----
 
=== Manjaro ARM ===
[[File:Manjaro-logo.svg|right|80px]]
 
'''Manjaro''' is a Linux based alternative operating system with no adverts or licensing fees, it respects user privacy and gives them full control over their hardware. The PineTab "Early Adopter" edition is currently the only device supported by Manjaro ARM.
 
Download:
* Images with several different environments, including Phosh and Plasma, are available for the "Dev" pre-release can be downloaded [https://osdn.net/projects/manjaro-arm/storage/pinetab/ here]
* Images for the Early Adopter version can be downloaded [https://github.com/manjaro-arm/pinetab-images/releases here].


==Versions==
Both Beta releases and weekly unstable builds for Phosh and Plasma Mobile can be found there.
For now there is only one version, also mentioned in the manual leaflet in the box.
* [[PineTab/Early-Adopter]]


== PineTab board information, schematics and certifications ==
-----
* PineTab mainboard schematic:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Schematic%20v1.2-20191125.pdf PineTab mainboard Released Schematic ver 1.2]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Board%20View%20v1.2-20191201-top.pdf PineTab mainboard component placement ver 1.2 - Top View]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Board%20View%20v1.2-20191201-bottom.pdf PineTab mainboard component placement ver 1.2 - Bottom View]
* PineTab certifications:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab%20FCC-SDOC%20Certificate-S20060600404001.pdf PineTab FCC Certificate]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab%20CE-RED%20Certificate-S20060600403.pdf PineTab CE RED Certificate]


=== Mobian ===
[[File:Debian-logo.png|right|80px]]


== Datasheets for components and peripherals ==
'''Mobian''' is a project providing Debian images for mobile devices.
* Allwinner A64 SoC information:
 
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/A64%20brief%20v1.0%2020150323.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC brief introduction]
Download:
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/A64_Datasheet_V1.1.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC Data Sheet V1.1 (Official Released Version)]
* PineTab images can be downloaded [https://images.mobian.org/pinetab/ here]. The password is '''1234'''
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/Allwinner_A64_User_Manual_V1.0.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC User Manual V1.0 (Official Release Version)]
 
-----
 
=== postmarketOS ===
[[File:PostmarketOS_logo.png|right|80px]]
 
'''postmarketOS''' extends [https://www.alpinelinux.org/ Alpine Linux] to run on smartphones and other mobile devices.
 
It offers various user interfaces (Phosh, Plasma Mobile, Sxmo, Plasma Desktop, Gnome 3, Kodi, XFCE4 and more). As of writing, official images are provided with Phosh and Plasma Mobile. The official images come in two flavors, either as demo image to try out postmarketOS, or with the installer.
 
When using the installer images (recommended), it is possible to:
* encrypt your installation
* install from the SD card to eMMC
 
Getting postmarketOS for the PineTab:
* [https://postmarketos.org/download/ Download page]
* [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/PINE64_PineTab_(pine64-pinetab)#Installation Flashing instructions]
* Power users may also create their own image with the distribution's install and development tool <code>pmbootstrap</code>
 
-----
 
=== Rhino Linux ===
[[File:rhino-linux-logo.png|right|100px]]
 
Rhino Linux is an Ubuntu-based distribution that uses the rolling-release model by tracking the <code>devel</code> branch of repositories. The port is currently maintained by Oren Klopfer (oklopfer).
 
The bootloader (u-boot) comes pre-flashed in the port. Installation just requires flashing the <code>.img.xz</code> to an SD or the eMMC.
 
==== Download ====
[https://rhinolinux.org/download.html Rhino Linux Downloads] (select Pine64 on the dropdown)
 
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan="2" style="background: #a7d7f9;"| Default credentials
|-
! Default user
| <code>rhino/1234</code>
|}


* X-Powers AXP803 PMU (Power Management Unit) information:
==== Notes ====
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/AXP803_Datasheet_V1.0.pdf AXP803 PMIC datasheet]
Foundational to the distribution is [https://pacstall.dev Pacstall], a Debian-based user repository inspired by the AUR. Additionally, RL comes with [https://rhinolinux.org/unicorn/ Unicorn], a custom modified version of XFCE with various modernizations and improvements, including auto-rotation for mobile devices.


* LPDDR3 (178 Balls) SDRAM:
[https://discord.gg/reSvc8Ztk3 Discord] - [https://matrix.to/#/#rolling-rhino-remix:matrix.org Matrix] - [https://github.com/rhino-linux GitHub] - [https://rhinolinux.org/wiki.html Wiki]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/ATL3A1632H12A_mobile_lpddr3_11x11.5_v1.0_1600.pdf Artmem LPDDR3 datasheet]


* eMMC information:
----
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/PINE64_eMMC_Module_20170719.pdf PINE64 eMMC module schematic]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/usb%20emmc%20module%20adapter%20v2.pdf PINE64 USB adapter for eMMC module V2 schematic]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/USB%20adapter%20for%20eMMC%20module%20PCB.tar PINE64 USB adapter for eMMC module PCB in JPEG]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/SDINADF4-16-128GB-H%20data%20sheet%20v1.13.pdf SanDisk eMMC Datasheet]


* CMOS camera module information:
=== Sailfish OS ===
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/OV5640_datasheet.pdf OV5640 5MP CMOS Image Sensor SoC for Rear Module datasheet]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/GC2145%20CSP%20DataSheet%20release%20V1.0_20131201.pdf GC2145 2MP CMOS Image Sensor SoC for Front Module datasheet]


* LCD touch screen panel information:
[[File:SailfishOS logo.png|right|80px]]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinetab/GT9271.pdf GOODiX GT9271 Capacitive Touch Controller datasheet]
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinetab/GT9271_Config_20200818_142030_V66.cfg PineTab GT9271 Capacitive Touch Controller configuration file]


* Lithium battery information:
You can get '''SailfishOS''' on your with the flash-it script, which will write an image on a SD card. https://github.com/sailfish-on-dontbeevil/flash-it


There is a forum discussion with further information.


* WiFi/BT module information:
http://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=11850
** [http://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/RTL8723BS.pdf RTL8723BS/RTL8723CS specification]


Many things are still broken but Bluetooth, Audio, Rotation and Keyboard are working.


== Operating Systems ==
-----
The PineTab will automatically boot from microSD if a bootable card is inserted. Although it is technically possible to use any ARM distro (because the PineTab uses the mainline kernel), only few of them will actually be usable on Early Adopters PineTab, due to specifics of working with LCD panel. Among those listed all except for postmarketOS have working builds.


* [[#UBPorts|UBPorts]]
=== Ubuntu Touch ===
* [[#postmarketOS|postmarketOS]]
[[File:Ubports-logo.png|right|100px]]
* [[#Arch Linux ARM|Arch Linux ARM]]
* [[#Manjaro ARM|Manjaro ARM]]
* [[#Mobian|Mobian]]


=== UBPorts ===
A Mobile Version of the Ubuntu Operating System made and maintained by the UBports Community. The port is currently maintained by Oren Klopfer (oklopfer).
The UBPorts Ubuntu Touch is what preinstalled on PineTab Early Adopters batch. It can update itself, and also jenkins daily build can be downloaded [https://ci.ubports.com/job/rootfs/job/rootfs-pinetab/ here]


=== postmarketOS ===
The bootloader (u-boot) comes pre-flashed in the port. Installation just requires flashing the <code>.img.xz</code> to an SD or the eMMC.
postmarketOS is a preconfigured version of [https://www.alpinelinux.org/ Alpine Linux] for mobile devices. The latest builds can be downloaded from the [https://images.postmarketos.org/pinetab/ images page] to be flashed to the PineTab.


More information is available at [https://postmarketos.org postmarketos.org] and on their [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/PINE64_PineTab_(pine64-pinetab) dedicated PineTab wiki page].
==== Download ====


=== Arch Linux ARM ===
[https://gitlab.com/ook37/pinephone-pro-debos/-/releases UBports 20.04 PineTab Latest Releases]
Arch Linux ARM with Phosh as the UI selection, maintained by the DanctNIX community.  


The latest image can be downloaded [https://github.com/dreemurrs-embedded/Pine64-Arch/releases here]
[https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/pinetab/release/focal UBports PineTab Device Info]


=== Manjaro ARM ===
{| class="wikitable"
First Manjaro ARM image confirmed to be working on Early Adopters PineTab can be downloaded [https://next.manjaro.org/index.php/s/BPaHqy5ZFm4Jntj here], ref [https://forum.manjaro.org/t/manjaro-arm-alpha2-with-phosh-pinetab/150/12 forum thread].
!colspan="2" style="background: #a7d7f9;"| Default credentials
|-
! Default user
| Set during boot
|-
! root
| <code>phablet/1234</code>
|}


Older Manjaro images with several different environments, including Phosh and Plasma, but '''not working on Early Adopters PineTab''' can be downloaded [https://osdn.net/projects/manjaro-arm/storage/pinetab/ here]
==== Notes ====


=== Mobian ===
Scroll down to the middle of [https://gitlab.com/ook37/pinephone-pro-debos/ the GitLab project page], or directly here [https://devices.ubuntu-touch.io/device/pinetab/release/focal/#deviceOverview at the UBports website] to see which features work.
Mobian is a project providing Debian images for mobile devices. PineTab images can be downloaded [https://images.mobian-project.org/pinetab/ here]. Password is '''1234'''


=== Testing ===
Contributions and bug reports can be made at the [https://gitlab.com/ook37/pinephone-pro-debos/ UBports PineTab GitLab page]. See [https://ubports.com/foundation/sponsors UBports website] for how to donate.
To test an OS, just flash its image onto an microSD card, plug it into PineTab, and reboot.
Note that USB stick won't work.
Also note that you need to "flash", not just copy the file onto the card.
Also remember that you need to unpack image file if it's packed!


You can do it using Ubuntu Touch installed on the PineTab! For now, only Mobian is supported by the guide below.
== Installation instructions ==
For instructions on how to install the operating systems to the eMMC or microSD card see [[PinePhone Installation Instructions]]. The information is almost the same for the PineTab, as it is a very similar device. Do not try to use the PinePhone images though, use the PineTab images linked above.


* First, make sure you have enough free disk space and empty Downloads directory on the PineTab (while not strictly necessary, empty Downloads dir will simplify your typing. You can just move all files from there to another directory).
For details see the [[Getting started]] article.
* go to the Mobian link above and download compressed image (the one ending with .img.gz) - usual recommendation is to download latest, i.e. lowest one.
* Open terminal and type this in it:
  cd Downloads
  ls
* It should show you the name of the file you've just downloaded
* This file is compressed, so first you need to uncompress it. Type this into terminal:
  gunzip *.gz && echo done
* This command will take some time (you won't see any progress until it's done). It either will succeed (and print "done") and fail (and print why).
* Now, let's have a look at disks. Type this into terminal:
  lsblk
* It should show you a tree of disks and their partitions. If you don't have microCD card inserted yet, all of them begin with mmcblk2. Also, some of them have something in the "MOUNTPOINT" column
* Insert microSD card into PineTab. Note that all information on it will be deleted, so don't insert one with valuable information on it!
* type `lsblk` into terminal again.
* Note that now tree of disks has one or more new entries - starting with mmcblk0 - that's partitions of your microSD card.
* Confirm that size of mmcblk0 is close to size of the microSD card, and all lines starting with mmcblk0 have empty "MOUNTPOINT" column.
* now type this:
  sudo dd if=`ls` of=/dev/mmcblk0 bs=1M status=progress
* It will take some time, depending on speed of your microSD card and size of image file
* Now, reboot your PineTab - type this into terminal:
  sudo reboot
* PineTab should boot from the microSD you've just flashed


== Tips and tricks ==
== Tips and tricks ==
Line 148: Line 177:
=== Reset ===
=== Reset ===


If your PineTab is in unknown state or doesn't want to start.
If your PineTab is in unknown state or doesn't want to start: Press power button for 7-8s. It makes a sound and you know it's totally off. 3 seconds after, power button  again for 2-3s and it will start to boot.
Press power button for 7-8s. It makes a sound and you know it's totally off. 3 seconds after, power button  again for 2-3s and it will start to boot. - thanks
 
@Aperricio on IRC for this hint
=== Power Off While Charging ===
 
When plugging your Pinetab into a charger, it automatically powers on. Use the above "Reset" instruction (holding the power button in for several seconds) to turn it off. This will allow your Pinetab to charge without being powered on.


=== Display rotated 90° on Arch ARM ===
=== Display rotated 90° on Arch ARM ===
With the following command you can turn the display to landscape:
With the following command you can turn the display to landscape:


* echo 1 | sudo tee /sys/class/graphics/fbcon/rotate
echo 1 | sudo tee /sys/class/graphics/fbcon/rotate


This command does not persist a reboot.
This command does not persist a reboot.
== Assembly and disassembly ==
Be very careful here. It is not a 'pop off' cover design.
Special care should be directed to AVOID anything that may appear to cause a "bend" in screen.
Gently use fingernails (or if you have one, plastic pry), starting in the very middle location for each side (saving keyboard connector latch over area (bottom side) for the very last removal step).
Work your way from the inner middle on each side, slowly. Slide gently towards the direction of each corner (saving the lifting of actual corners themselves for the second to last step)). Careful not to break thin speaker wires that line the outside of the inner case.
The very last opening piece should be the "latch over" (where the keyboard pins connect).
KEEP IN MIND: The main key here is to avoid any potential "bend" of the screen. We save the corners until after working on the middle of each side to reduce pressure on the screen.
Do not force anything. If it is not coming off with gentle effort, you are likely doing something wrong (try another side middle).
== Board information, schematics and certifications ==
PineTab mainboard schematic:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Schematic%20v1.2-20191125.pdf PineTab mainboard Released Schematic ver 1.2]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Board%20View%20v1.2-20191201-top.pdf PineTab mainboard component placement ver 1.2 - Top View]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/PineTab%20Board%20View%20v1.2-20191201-bottom.pdf PineTab mainboard component placement ver 1.2 - Bottom View]
PineTab keyboard schematic:
* PineTab keyboard and Pinebook (Pro) keyboard using same controller and from same engineering source
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/Pinetab%20HB092A%20Keyboard%20Schematic.pdf PineTab Keyboard Schematic]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/HB092_0884232458_Hynitron_PTP_20200514_662905_Linux_US_BackLight_CRC_175057F5.hex PineTab keyboard firmware code]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/PineTab/SH68F83V2.0.pdf PineTab Keyboard Controller Datasheet]
PineTab certifications:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab%20FCC-SDOC%20Certificate-S20060600404001.pdf PineTab FCC Certificate]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PineTab%20CE-RED%20Certificate-S20060600403.pdf PineTab CE RED Certificate]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/cert/PINETAB%20ROHS%20TEST%20REPORT.pdf PineTab ROHS Test Report]
== Datasheets for components and peripherals ==
Allwinner A64 SoC information:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/A64%20brief%20v1.0%2020150323.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC brief introduction]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/A64_Datasheet_V1.1.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC Data Sheet V1.1 (Official Released Version)]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/Allwinner_A64_User_Manual_V1.0.pdf Allwinner A64 SoC User Manual V1.0 (Official Release Version)]
X-Powers AXP803 PMU (Power Management Unit) information:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/AXP803_Datasheet_V1.0.pdf AXP803 PMIC datasheet]
LPDDR3 (178 Balls) SDRAM:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/ATL3A1632H12A_mobile_lpddr3_11x11.5_v1.0_1600.pdf Artmem LPDDR3 datasheet]
eMMC information:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/PINE64_eMMC_Module_20170719.pdf PINE64 eMMC module schematic]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/usb%20emmc%20module%20adapter%20v2.pdf PINE64 USB adapter for eMMC module V2 schematic]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/rock64/USB%20adapter%20for%20eMMC%20module%20PCB.tar PINE64 USB adapter for eMMC module PCB in JPEG]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/SDINADF4-16-128GB-H%20data%20sheet%20v1.13.pdf 64GB SanDisk eMMC Datasheet]
CMOS camera module information:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/OV5640_datasheet.pdf OV5640 5MP CMOS Image Sensor SoC for Rear Module datasheet]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinephone/GC2145%20CSP%20DataSheet%20release%20V1.0_20131201.pdf GC2145 2MP CMOS Image Sensor SoC for Front Module datasheet]
LCD touch screen panel information:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinetab/GT9271.pdf GOODiX GT9271 Capacitive Touch Controller datasheet]
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pinetab/GT9271_Config_20200818_142030_V66.cfg PineTab GT9271 Capacitive Touch Controller configuration file]
Lithium battery information:
* N/A
WiFi/BT module information:
* [https://files.pine64.org/doc/datasheet/pine64/RTL8723BS.pdf RTL8723BS/RTL8723CS specification]
== External Links ==
* [https://pine64.com/product/pinetab-10-1-linux-tablet/ The PineTab on the Pine64 store]
* [https://forum.pine64.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=140 The PineTab section of the Pine64 forums]
* [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=11401 Comments on back cover removal on forums]
* [https://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=13118 Demonstration Video: Pinetab back cover removal on forums]
[[Category:PineTab]] [[Category:Allwinner A64]]

Latest revision as of 23:44, 7 August 2023

The PineTab

The PineTab is a 10" tablet created by PINE64. The PineTab is similar in both form, function and underlying ARM64 architecture to the original 11.6″ Pinebook. It is powered by the same quad-core ARM Cortex A53 64-Bit Processor used in our popular PINE A64 Single Board Computer. The optional keyboard and trackpad – which doubles-up as a screen cover – effectively converts the PineTab into a petite on-the-go laptop with a touch screen functionality. It runs numerous mainline Linux distributions as well as *BSD and Android. 

Superseded by PineTab2.

Revisions

  • Developer Edition - development version sent to roughly 100 developers. Close to the Early Adopter Edition, but with a different display panel
  • Early Adopter Edition - the first hardware revision of the PineTab
The insides of the PineTab
Pinetab Board

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 11mm x 175mm x 260mm (Thickness, Width, Height)
  • Weight: 575g (Tablet alone)
  • Build: Plastic
  • Storage:
    • 64GB of internal eMMC storage
    • MicroSD slot, bootable
    • M.2 SSD slot, supports SATA and USB devices only, not NVME (optional)
  • Cameras: 2Mpx Front, 5Mpx Rear
  • SOC: Allwinner A64 Quad Core
  • CPU: 4x ARM A53 1.152GHz
  • GPU: Mali 400 MP2
  • RAM: 2GB LPDDR3
  • I/O: HD Video Out (Mini HDMI), Micro USB 2.0 OTG, USB 2.0 A host, 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo,
  • Network:
    • WiFi (802.11b/g/n, 2.4GHz only)
    • Bluetooth 2.1
    • M.2 LTE / Cell MODEM card, (optional, and takes place of optional M.2 SSD)
  • Display:
    • Size: 10.1 inches (257mm) diagonal
    • Type: HD IPS capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
    • Resolution: 1280x800, 16:10 ratio
  • Attachments/Accessories: Magnetically attached keyboard (optional)
  • Battery: 6000MAh (6Ah)
  • Misc. features:
    • Volume rocker
    • Speakers and Microphone
    • 2.5mm OD 0.7mm ID DC Jack Power (5V 2A) Port

Keyboard

Overview: The PineTab detachable keyboard features a full function row, FN key functionality, meta key (where the Windows key would be) and all of the keys you need for daily use.

FN keys: Pause/play (F2), Stop (F3), Previous(F4), Next(F5), Music (F6), Mail (F7), Home (F8), Mute (F9), Vol- (F10), Vol+ (F11), Disable touchpad (F12), NumLock (Insert), Scroll Lock (Delete), PgUp (Up Arrow), PgDn (Down Arrow), Home (Left Arrow), End (Right Arrow), Digital Numpad (7,8,9,0,U,I,O,P,J,K,L,;,M,.,/)

Operating Systems

The PineTab will automatically boot from microSD if a bootable card is inserted. Although it is technically possible to use any ARM distro (because the PineTab uses the mainline kernel), only few of them will actually be usable on Early Adopters PineTab, due to specifics of working with LCD panel. Among those listed all except for postmarketOS have working builds.

Arch Linux ARM

Archlinux-logo.png

Unofficial Arch Linux ARM with Phosh as the UI selection, maintained by the DanctNIX community.

Download:

  • The latest image can be downloaded here

Manjaro ARM

Manjaro-logo.svg

Manjaro is a Linux based alternative operating system with no adverts or licensing fees, it respects user privacy and gives them full control over their hardware. The PineTab "Early Adopter" edition is currently the only device supported by Manjaro ARM.

Download:

  • Images with several different environments, including Phosh and Plasma, are available for the "Dev" pre-release can be downloaded here
  • Images for the Early Adopter version can be downloaded here.

Both Beta releases and weekly unstable builds for Phosh and Plasma Mobile can be found there.

Mobian

Debian-logo.png

Mobian is a project providing Debian images for mobile devices.

Download:

  • PineTab images can be downloaded here. The password is 1234

postmarketOS

PostmarketOS logo.png

postmarketOS extends Alpine Linux to run on smartphones and other mobile devices.

It offers various user interfaces (Phosh, Plasma Mobile, Sxmo, Plasma Desktop, Gnome 3, Kodi, XFCE4 and more). As of writing, official images are provided with Phosh and Plasma Mobile. The official images come in two flavors, either as demo image to try out postmarketOS, or with the installer.

When using the installer images (recommended), it is possible to:

  • encrypt your installation
  • install from the SD card to eMMC

Getting postmarketOS for the PineTab:

Rhino Linux

Rhino-linux-logo.png

Rhino Linux is an Ubuntu-based distribution that uses the rolling-release model by tracking the devel branch of repositories. The port is currently maintained by Oren Klopfer (oklopfer).

The bootloader (u-boot) comes pre-flashed in the port. Installation just requires flashing the .img.xz to an SD or the eMMC.

Download

Rhino Linux Downloads (select Pine64 on the dropdown)

Default credentials
Default user rhino/1234

Notes

Foundational to the distribution is Pacstall, a Debian-based user repository inspired by the AUR. Additionally, RL comes with Unicorn, a custom modified version of XFCE with various modernizations and improvements, including auto-rotation for mobile devices.

Discord - Matrix - GitHub - Wiki

Sailfish OS

SailfishOS logo.png

You can get SailfishOS on your with the flash-it script, which will write an image on a SD card. https://github.com/sailfish-on-dontbeevil/flash-it

There is a forum discussion with further information.

http://forum.pine64.org/showthread.php?tid=11850

Many things are still broken but Bluetooth, Audio, Rotation and Keyboard are working.

Ubuntu Touch

Ubports-logo.png

A Mobile Version of the Ubuntu Operating System made and maintained by the UBports Community. The port is currently maintained by Oren Klopfer (oklopfer).

The bootloader (u-boot) comes pre-flashed in the port. Installation just requires flashing the .img.xz to an SD or the eMMC.

Download

UBports 20.04 PineTab Latest Releases

UBports PineTab Device Info

Default credentials
Default user Set during boot
root phablet/1234

Notes

Scroll down to the middle of the GitLab project page, or directly here at the UBports website to see which features work.

Contributions and bug reports can be made at the UBports PineTab GitLab page. See UBports website for how to donate.

Installation instructions

For instructions on how to install the operating systems to the eMMC or microSD card see PinePhone Installation Instructions. The information is almost the same for the PineTab, as it is a very similar device. Do not try to use the PinePhone images though, use the PineTab images linked above.

For details see the Getting started article.

Tips and tricks

Reset

If your PineTab is in unknown state or doesn't want to start: Press power button for 7-8s. It makes a sound and you know it's totally off. 3 seconds after, power button again for 2-3s and it will start to boot.

Power Off While Charging

When plugging your Pinetab into a charger, it automatically powers on. Use the above "Reset" instruction (holding the power button in for several seconds) to turn it off. This will allow your Pinetab to charge without being powered on.

Display rotated 90° on Arch ARM

With the following command you can turn the display to landscape: 

echo 1 | sudo tee /sys/class/graphics/fbcon/rotate

This command does not persist a reboot.

Assembly and disassembly

Be very careful here. It is not a 'pop off' cover design. Special care should be directed to AVOID anything that may appear to cause a "bend" in screen.

Gently use fingernails (or if you have one, plastic pry), starting in the very middle location for each side (saving keyboard connector latch over area (bottom side) for the very last removal step).

Work your way from the inner middle on each side, slowly. Slide gently towards the direction of each corner (saving the lifting of actual corners themselves for the second to last step)). Careful not to break thin speaker wires that line the outside of the inner case.

The very last opening piece should be the "latch over" (where the keyboard pins connect).

KEEP IN MIND: The main key here is to avoid any potential "bend" of the screen. We save the corners until after working on the middle of each side to reduce pressure on the screen.

Do not force anything. If it is not coming off with gentle effort, you are likely doing something wrong (try another side middle).

Board information, schematics and certifications

PineTab mainboard schematic:

PineTab keyboard schematic:

PineTab certifications:

Datasheets for components and peripherals

Allwinner A64 SoC information:

X-Powers AXP803 PMU (Power Management Unit) information:

LPDDR3 (178 Balls) SDRAM:

eMMC information:

CMOS camera module information:

LCD touch screen panel information:

Lithium battery information:

  • N/A

WiFi/BT module information:

External Links

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