Low-cost MID runs Linux, Android
By Jonathan Angel
2010-01-04
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Chinese portable media player (PMP) vendor SmartDevices announced an ARM11-based MID (mobile internet device) that comes with Android, Ubuntu Linux, or Windows CE 6.0. The V5 features a 4.3-inch display with 800 x 480 resolution, 1080p video playback, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a mini-HDMI port, according to the company.It is unclear whether the OS of choice must be specified at the time of purchase, or if the MID actually offers a triple-boot solution. An intriguing clue is that the device is said to include 2GB of NAND flash, only 128MB of which is said to be available to the user; therefore, there could be room for more than one embedded OS.
SmartDevices' previously announced SmartQ 5 MID came with a Samsung S3C6410 processor and an identical 4.3-inch screen size. The V5 is again based on an ARM11 processor, though this time out, SmartDevices doesn't say which one, merely specifying a 600MHz clock speed and hardware graphics acceleration.
The SmartDevices V5
According to SmartDevices, the V5 supports "all the usual audio formats" plus 1080p video playback in formats that include AVI, MKV(XVID/px/H.264), MOV, TS, M2TS, RM/RMVB, FLV, WMV, 3GP, MPEG, DAT, and MP4. Still images may also be displayed in JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP format, the company adds.
OUR VERDICT:
If the V5 does come with three bootable operating systems, that's a (rather useless) first! |
Unlike a mere PMP, the V5 also can access the Internet, via a "full-featured web browser," WiFi, or a USB-interfaced 2G/3G cellular modem, according to the company. It's said the device includes email and instant messaging software, and is capable of playing online video from YouTube and other websites.
The V5 additionally offers a Chinese-English dictionary, notepad software, a PIM (personal information manager), and calculator software. The device permits reading and editing Microsoft Word and Excel files, SmartDevices adds.
SmartDevices says the V5 has a 2000mAh battery, though operating time wasn't specified. The MID has a mini-HDMI port, an "AV port," an earphone jack, built-in speakers, and a microphone, the company adds.
Features and specifications listed by SmartDevices for the V5 include the following:
- Processor -- ARM11 CPU clocked at 600MHz
- Memory -- 256MB of DDR2 RAM and 2GB of flash storage ("128MB available to users")
- Display -- 4.3-inch touchscreen with 800 x 480 resolution
- Expansion -- SD/SDHC slot with max. capacity of 32GB
- Wireless:
- LAN -- 802.11b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
- Other I/O:
- USB On-The-Go port
- Mini-HDMI port
- AV port
- Headphone jack
- Battery -- 2000mAh; life n/s
- Dimensions -- 4.68 x 3.07 x 0.55 inches (119 x 78 x 14mm)
- Weight -- 5.64 ounces (160g)
Availability
SmartDevices did not release pricing or availability information for the V5. However, third-party reports say the device is selling for 1099 Chinese Yuan (about $162).
More information on the SmartDevices V5 may be found on the company's website, here.
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