Q7 Linux MID nice but missing most important feature

Posted June 14th, 2010 by cool

This is the Q7, a very nice mobile Internet device available running ubuntu or android. It has 1080p HD video playback and that could make it a top gadget. Sadly it's missing one important feature I really think is a no-go for a device like this.

The Q7 has hdmi video out, and a sdhc expansion slot. It features a 7 inch 800x480 touchscreen and is 480 grams. At the size of 200mm(length) ×120mm(width) ×24mm(depth) it's small enough to carry around.

The only major problem is the Q7 has support for 3G networks only by use of a usb card expansion. I think the lack of build in wireless broadband is killing for this device. I would like to have a mobile device capable of hd output but if it's missing a hsdpa modem I think I'll stick with my laptop.

I do think the device does look nice, it's also pleasant as a lcd ebook reader as the screen is reasonable big.

hardware specs:

CPU
ARM11 600MHz
hardware3D graphics acceleration
Memory DDR II RAM 256MB
128MB Virtual Cache
Storage
2GB Nand Flash, 128MB available to users
support SD/SDHC card with a maximum capacity of 32GB
Wireless
IEEE 802.11 b/g network
Bluetooth2.0+EDR
USB
USB 2.0 HighSpeed OTG port
Video Out
HDMI port
AV port
Audio 3.5mm earphone port
high-quality stereo loudspeaker
built-in microphone
Maximum output power of earphone
40mW
Frequency Response
20Hz-20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
94dB
Screen Size
7.0 inches
Resolution
WVGA (800×480)
Resistive touch-screen
Size
200mm(length) ×120mm(width) ×24mm(depth)
Color
White
Weight About 480 g
Battery
4500mAH Built-in Li-poly battery

I think the device is great for people who have a wireless network available and don't travel around. It's great that it's available with ubuntu or android. I just hope they will build one with a build in HSDPA modem in the future. I'll be waiting for that.

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Not a missing feature dumbass!

Anonymous 1 year 34 weeks 3 days 23 hours ago

Firstly, the device you are showing and describing is the SmartDevices SmartQ V7, NOT the Q7. The SmartQ7 was a previous model that had slightly lower specs and no HDMI out.
Second, the lack of an INTERNAL 3G modem IS NOT a necessary feature for a device like this as A: using an external USB 3G modem does not add significant bulk or weight if managed properly, and B: there are ate least 3 seperate ways you could connect this device to the internet over 3G using something you are likely to already have, your mobile phone.

Almost anyone buying this device will already own a mobile phone that can be used as a cellular modem either buy connecting via USB or DUN networking over bluetooth (a trivial matter under both android and ubuntu) and most of which will be at least capable of 3G HSDPA. Also, many mobile phones with these capabilities such as high end Symbian and Android models can also be configured to act as mobile 3G-Wifi hotspots in much the same way as the MIFI device, allowing for several Wifi capable devices to be connected at once.

Do some damned research before throwing your opinions around