Here it is, the world’s first review of the SmartQ V5, the so called HDMID, a high definition mobile internet device. The SmartQ V5 is the successor to the SmartQ 5, a nice and affordable gadget that gained a modest, but active following of tech and Linux enthusiasts. China-based Smart Devices tried to address the shortcomings of the SmartQ 5 and added new features to the SmartQ V5, like 1080p video playback and three pre-installed operating systems. Read on to find out if they succeeded.
For those who don’t know: the SmartQ devices are cheap MIDs (Mobile Internet Devices), capable of running Linux and a slew of other operating systems, like Windows CE and Android. They’re used as internet tablets, eBook/comic book readers and much more. After my good experiences with the SmartQ 5, I was curious if it’s bigger brother would be worth the $211.02/€145.72. Would it just be a bigger SmartQ 5 or does it bring anything new to the table? With the SmartQ V7 already being available, the review might be a bit late, but the two devices are mostly similar. So read to see if the SmartQ 7 is worth your hard earned pennies.
The SmartQ V5 is now also available at DealExtreme for $195.66/€134.67, which is quite a bit more than at AllPMP, but includes worldwide shipping. AllPMP is out of stock until January 20, but you never know how long it will take for DealExtreme to ship out.
Finally, the SmartQ V5 is available at AllPMP for $178.99/€124.73. I ordered mine immediately so you can expect videos and a full review within a few weeks. The SmartQ V5 is the successor to the SmartQ 5 (full SmartQ 5 review here) mobile internet device with a 800×480 touchscreen, wifi, bluetooth etc. The SmartQ V5 version is capable has HD video playback with HDMI output, more memory, a new design and Linux, Windows CE and Android pre-installed with multiboot.
Our friends at DealExtreme finally started selling some cheap accessories for the SmartQ 5, 7 and V7 devices. Nothing too fancy, but soft protective pouches and screen protectors are always nice to have. In typical DX style, the items are dirt cheap and the price includes worldwide shipping. Just get them while you can, because they might sell out pretty quickly.
The SmartQ V7 is now available at Allpmp for $238.90/€159.60 and is dubbed an ‘HDMID’, which basically means it now also supports HD video up to 1080p. Ofcourse, watching hi def movies on a 800×480 screen wouldn’t be tremendously useful, so Smart Devices decided to drop the USB OTG port and replace it with an HDMI port. They also decided to double the RAM and built-in flash memory to respectively 256MB and 2GB, so the device should work a bit more snappy. Sadly, all this comes at a rather steep 25% price increase, which almost places this device in the netbook price range. Luckily the SmartQ 7 is still available for $189.10/€126.33 for those who don’t need HD video playback.
Everybody’s favorite 7″ mobile internet device is now available in pink for $204.90/€143.35 at Allpmp. Besides the new color, nothing has changed. It’s still the same MID we all love with it’s 7″ 800×480 touchscreen, wifi, bluetooth, multiple operating systems and tons of free applications.
I buy most of my stuff from the following webshops. These are all very reliable, so it's safe to order from these webshops.
HouseofDAP sells quality products for good prices. Free and fast shipping.
AllPMP sells quality products from China, but also items from renowned brands like Sony and Apple for low prices. Shipping is very fast when in stock.
Lots of items, very low prices and free shipping. Orders might take a few days to ship.
Probably the most popular webshop from China. They sell practically everything. Free shipping, items might take a while to ship.
Lots of items, free shipping. Orders might take a few days to ship.
Reliable webshop, not the cheapest, but quality and a lot of products you won't find in other shops.
