More SmartQ 5 MID details

Last week, we told you about the SmartQ 5 MID (Mobile Internet Device). Few details were available aside from the fact that it will run on the Ubuntu Linux distribution on an ARM processor, has an 800 x 480-pixel touchscreen display and comes with an SD card slot.

Today, we got hold of the full specifications hot off the China-based manufacturer. Here are some key details:

• 1GB storage, 256MB available to user
• 667MHz ARM11 processor
• SD expansion slot (up to 32GB)
• 2,000mAh battery
• 4.3-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display
• USB On-The-Go (OTG)
• Bluetooth 2.0
• 120 x 74 x 14mm; about 160g

The specs sheet also lists out all the music, video and e-book file formats the MID supports. It's a very comprehensive list, unsurprising because it uses desktop Linux, so file support will be limited only by the applications used.

With USB OTG, the SmartQ 5 will appear as a peripheral when you connect it to another computer (like portable media devices), but it can also act as a host for USB devices. This means you will be able to use an external mouse or keyboard, a good feature considering the MID doesn't have its own QWERTY keypad.

While it has no built-in cellular capabilities, this SmartQ 5 will connect to mobile phones using Bluetooth. Your handset will then act as a modem (as long as it supports tethering) to give Internet access through your data plan.

We were pleasantly surprised by the svelte 14mm thickness. Comparatively, the HTC Touch 3G is 14.5mm thick. The SmartQ 5's 160g weight is also only slightly heavier than some high-end smartphones.

For a sub-S$300 device, this MID is really shaping up quite interestingly. Its arrival is imminent, and we'll have a full review once we get our hands on one. Check back with CNET Asia for more information in the coming weeks.

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