Other features:
- 1mbps Divx playback. (The platform looks like it could do better. Maybe someone can work out some optimisations for the mplayer-based video software) (H.264 and WMV work but only at very very low bitrates)
- net radio streaming. (Shoutcast links open up the audio player)
- MP3 playback via one of two applications. (or command line for even more efficiency)
- SD card reader (SDHC capable, 4GB tested)
- Abiword document editor
- Instant messenger software
- Very long instant-on standby time (about 3 days without use)
- Dictionary (StarDict)
- OpenSSH is easy to install via apt-get
- Built-in terminal is called evilvte
Issues:
- No print features installed by default
- No SMB or NFS cleint features installed by default
- No uPNP features installed by default
- Touchscreen sometimes responds incorrectly (false positioning of pointer)
- Limited RAM (128MB)
- Limited flash storage (SD card helps to solve this problem.)
Here’s a new video of the Q7 showing the main applications in use. I’m particularly impressed with the browser which is very accurate in terms of page layout and advanced html and javascript support.
Other videos available:
Q7 as Ereader (part of the live UStream testing session)
Overall the Q7 is a well-built, efficient (i’m thinking of doing a new solar project with it) and value for money device. It’s not a ultra mobile PC and will disappoint anyone wanting the full-fat, flash-enabled, sub-10-second-per page web experience but it will interest ebook fans, sofa surfers, travellers (with a folding USB keyboard), people looking for an emergency computing device, people looking for a cheap project device, a synergy companion, a kitchen recipe book, an off-line Wikipedia and anything else you can dream up.
Even if the Q7 doesn’t meet your requirement though, it’s a great benchmark for things to come. It’s only about $50 in parts costs and 12 months away from being a much more powerful device. Replace the CPU platform with a next-gen version that includes video decoding add GPS hardware and think about the progress of Ubuntu ARM, Android, Maemo and Adobe flash for the ARM platform. If nothing else, the Q7 proves that a sub $300 tablet or webbook with near-desktop qualities is well within grasp and it won’t have to be running Intel architecture if it’s aiming at the consumer sector. Of course it could be running Intel architechture. Moorestown and Moblin puts Intel head-to-head with ARM’s partners here but there will be no excuse for anything over $350 from either side…unless it’s an Apple iPod Tablet!
Where to buy the Q7 We bought our Q7 from Eletroworld for $189 + shipping + paypal costs. Total: $240. The website looks strange but after emailing them we got a quick response with quote and paypal account details. We’ve also heard that others have ordered successfuly through this channel. Note that in some countries you will be charged import taxes.
