Thanks to everyone for your responses.
I knew that the Dell could run Linux but I didn't know it could run it fairly easily. I think I will pursue that route, it's probably the most viable.
I just got my hands on a NOOK HD+ and installed Lineage on it. After I posted I read the info regarding a how to build a port for a device, the requirement being that Lineage was available for it. I think it's beyond my skill set but I may try that as well. The NOOK had incredible display and decent hardware. I believe there had a been a UT build for it before.
Again, thanks for your help. I still find it hard to believe that Linux on a tablet is not more available. There are no decent tablet OS at this time, it seems like a niche to fill.