The SmartQ R7 is the latest mobile internet device in the popular SmartQ series. While still called a MID, it’s obvious that Smart Devices put their focus more on eBook reading with the SmartQ R7. The R7 both adds and loses some functionality compared to the other (cheaper) SmartQ devices. Read on to find out if they still stepped up their game of if you should stick to the older MIDs.
Introduction
I ordered the SmartQ R5 from AllPMP for $253.99/€208.95. As usual, they shipped it within hours. I received my device less than a week later and that was via cheap and slow air mail.
- Introduction
- Hardware and design
- Linux and software
- Conclusion
Tags: ebook reader, SmartQ, tablet
Great review, overall the r7 looks really nice, but i do have to say they should have added android to make it the best smartQ device so far.
By the way, i have a v5 and was wondering what’s the best way to get emulators to run smoothly in ubuntu. When i try running a gba emulator it lags too much to play. Would be nice to run an emulator in ubuntu cause i could use a keyboard then. Wii remote is nice and all, but having as many options as possible is always good
I guess Android will be added later on, like with the SmartQ 5, which is a better option than having it pre-installed and eating up the internal storage. Personally, I hated the bootscreen and Android. It was just too slow and buggy (wifi). Even scrolling through a list with items was a chore using the resistive touchscreen.
GBA emulators won’t run smoothly on the SmartQ devices. I guess this is mainly because they don’t use the hardware graphics acceleration.
Thank you for the great review!! It was extremely helpful and detailed, as is the res o your site (I just found out) Best review I’ve found on the web. I know I would use the classic gaming software, remote desktop, a little e-reading, and very heavy web and e-mail. The smartdevices mids look really nice for these purposes. Do you think I should get the r7, which from your review I think would be the best smartQ mid for me, or some other non smart devices product? so far this looks great.
Regards,
Henry
Thanks for the compliment. The R7 is in my opinion the best suited SmartQ device, but judging by your needs, you might be better off with a netbook. I don’t know what your standards are for heavy web browsing and emailing, but if it includes a lot of typing, it might be annoying to use a touchscreen. Also keep in mind that Flash sites aren’t supported. If you mainly want to read news sites and so on, the SmartQ is quite suited. Gaming besides ScummVM and some simple games is basically non-existant, with a netbook you can use much more demanding emulators like those for SNES, GBA, PSX and N64 plus a lot of older pc games.
The SmartQ is a great and affordable device for reading, some videos or some light browsing and mailing on the go or on the couch, if you’re more of a power user, you might be disappointed with the lack of true horse power behind the device.
GREAT review. To paraphrase what someone else said, this is the best ipad-style tablet review I’ve read! So if I’m looking for a (or is it Ipad? Ha!) style table with Android 2.0 or later that actually works, unlike the iRobot apad, what do you recommend? I want browsing, multitouch, and a camera for skype, with good resolution (800×600) and a 7″ or 10″ screen, preferably something that’s ungradeable.
Thanks.
I wonder about battery… its life is pretty good, but what about replacing it? Can you buy a spare battery? Rechargeable batteries dies pretty fast if used regularly… I don’t wanna end up with $200+ photo frame (oh no, wait, there is no stand for this)
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