There’s been plenty of buzz building up around tablets running Linux.  The buzz was first centered around what was being called simply the Ubuntu tablet.  And then came the Mer Linux and KDE tablet that’s being called Plasma Active.

Trimble Yuma Ubuntu Tablet:  Price = $3695

Well now we have a new Ubuntu tablet called the Trimble Yuma.  The Trimble Tuma is targeting the U.S. military and other industrial applications that require data collection, inspection, and reporting from what would otherwise be considered “rugged terrain” (aka, the mountains of Afghanistan, for example).  The  Linux powered Yuma can be used with geospatial software including GRASS GIS and Quantum GIS as well as other standard or custom Linux-based applications.

Here’s the best part – the Trimle Yuma Ubuntu tablet has a starting price of only $3,695.  Let’s just say this tablet is not trying to the compete with the Kindle Fire!

Trimble Yuma Ubuntu Tablet Specs:

• Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Netbook Edition OS
• Price starting at $3,695
• 2.6 pounds
• rugged, military-grade
• 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor
• 7-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display
• magnesium alloy shell
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth capable
•  two cameras
• GPS
• additional expansion options via SDIO
• water & dust resistant
• solid state hard drive
• 32GB or 80GB of storage
• meets the United States Military’s MIL-STD-810F
• Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 67

Here’s the complete press release for the Trimble Yuma Ubuntu Tablet:

Harmony, PA (PRWEB) February 02, 2012

SDG Systems, LLC announced today the availability of the Trimble Yuma rugged tablet computer running the GNU/Linux (“Linux”) operating system. The introduction of Linux to the Yuma enables the mobile use of geospatial applications, like GRASS or Quantum GIS, and other standard or custom Linux-based applications. In addition, the industry-standard DB-9 serial and USB host ports provide a convenient way to interface to field or factory equipment.

“Our customers have told us that they need a rugged, military-grade, tablet computer running Linux. We are pleased to provide that option for them,” said Todd Blumer, President of SDG Systems. “The water- and dust-proof rating, MIL-STD-810F testing and solid-state drive ensures that users will receive a durable Linux product that can be used in harsh conditions. With optional accessories like a vehicle docking station, the Yuma is ready to meet the field data collection or inspection needs.”

The Yuma tablet computer from Trimble is powered by a 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom processor and features a 7-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen display in a magnesium alloy shell. It is drop-tested, includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® technology, two cameras, GPS, 32 or 80 GB SSD and carries a IP67 rating. Additional expansion is provided by SDIO (SDHC) and ExpressCard slots. The Yuma with Ubuntu 10.04 LTS Netbook Edition is available today. Other Linux distributions are available upon request with a minimum purchase agreement or engineering fee. More information and full product specifications may be found on SDG Systems’ web site.

About SDG Systems 
SDG Systems, LLC is a world-wide value added reseller of rugged computing products, providing responsive technical support, complete solutions, software customizations and porting services. SDG Systems is a world-wide leader of implementing Google Android (AOSP) solutions on rugged devices, and has been developing and supporting Linux system software since 2001.

via prweb