A bit late, but here is the full review of the SmartQ V3, another 4.3″ SmartQ tablet with Linux and Android. The SmartQ V3 is very similar to the SmartQ V5, but costs only $109.99/€78.39.
Introduction
I ordered the SmartQ V3 from AllPMP, where it’s available for $109.99/€78.39. The V3 was shipped within a few hours and I received my device a week later. I always order using the cheap airmail.
For those who don’t know: the SmartQ devices are cheap MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices), capable of running Linux and Android. They’re used as internet tablets, eBook/comic book readers and much more. The little tablets even support 1080p video playback.
- Introduction
- Hardware and design
- Linux and software
- Android
- Conclusion
Nice review (although some times there are mistakes from copy&paste i guess).
By the way, in the CONS you mention there is no USB on Linux?? I am using the USB on Linux perfectly even to connect to the internet with my 3G modem.
Thank you for pointing it out, I accidently uploaded an older version of the article (and I took some portions of the V5 review, because the devices are about 90% the same). USB OTG works fine in Linux.
Inorfmation is power and now I’m a !@#$ing dictator.
very hard to find china tablets reviews. nice!
Thank you for you nice review and a great site!
A simple question on V3 — do you find its viewing angles ok for e-reading? Some screens do change contrast even at very small angles, when you just slightly move you head. F.e. my archos 7ht has such bad vertical angles that it’s even hardly possible to read in portrait — the contrast in left & right eyes is different
So when you angle V5 a little, say within 5-7°, are there any contrast/color shifts?
Thank you! Sorry for my late reply, but to answer your question: the viewing angles of the V3 are very good! Like any display, there is *some* discoloration when tilting the device, but it was much less than on any other Chinese device I tested. No inverted colors or whatsoever and you really have to tilt it quite far.
nice site for getting info on chinese made gadgets, i hope you review more products from China. i found this site while reserching on the smartq V5. thanks & more power!
Interesting review!
As I am mainly interested in watching videos (possibly with external .srt subtitles) on this device, I am slightly concerned by what you wrote in the linux section, “The interface of VLC isn’t very touchscreen friendly, so you’re better off using Android for media playback.” whereas in the android section you say, “subtitles aren’t supported at the moment”. So what would be your suggestion about using this device mainly for video playback? Thank you.
I like this product. Thank you for your article.
Good review I’v seen. Thank you. And I foung http://www.geminideal.com also have the similar ones.
It always amazes me how cheaply these type of gadgets can be made. It just goes to show the ridiculous profits the likes of Apple must be making and people are subsidising just because there is a brand name on it.
Nice review