Initially launched two years ago by DeepComputing, the first ever RISC-V laptop dubbed Roma that runs on Open Kylin or Debian Linux is now receiving a hardware refresh. The new version soon launching as the DC-Roma RISC-V Laptop II will also get extended Linux support with the direct involvement of Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu.The second gen Roma laptops are among the first devices to integrate the new SpacemiT’s SoC K1 8-core RISC-V processor that can boost to 2 GHz and is paired with up to 16 GB LPDDR4X plus up to 1 TB SSD storage. With its 2 TOPs@INT AI Fusion Computing Engine and improved 256-bit Vector Engine, the K1 processor essentially doubles the performance of the 4-core model powering the first gen laptops.To ensure better heat management and provide a more premium look, the DC-Roma II laptop is encased in an all-metal chassis with a 1.7 cm profile and 1.36 kg weight. On the display side, DeepComputing is offering a 14-inch 1080p@60 Hz IPS panel as well as an FHD webcam on top. Port selection includes 2x USB-C (1 full-function), 2x USB-A 3.0, audio jack, TF card reader, fast boot and reset pinholes, plus a developer interface with eight pins (2x I2C, GIO72, GPOI73, GND, RX, TX, 3.3V).

Canonical is handling the software side with a fully featured Ubuntu 23.10 distro specifically optimized for RISC-V processors. Wireless connectivity is provided through a Wi-Fi 6 BT 5.2 card and the battery is large enough for 8 hours of uptime. There also appears to be a fingerprint sensor in the upper left corner of the touchpad.Pre-orders for the new DC-Roma II start on June 18, but there is no price information or details on possible configurations as of now. Since the original DC-Roma is available for US$391, prices for the second gen laptops could start at ~US$800, but only for early bird pre-orders.