says.

(Click here for a larger view of the SmartDevices SmartQ5)

The SmartQ5 represents a conquest for Windows CE in that the device was first announced in June with Ubuntu Linux. Now, SmartDevices says, it is offering its MID with Windows CE 6.0, plus added software such as TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player) and "game aids."

The SmartQ5 is built around an ARM11-based Samsung S3C6410 system-on-chip (SoC) clocked to 677MHz. First announced in February 2008, the S3C6410 is equipped with an ARM1176 core along with what Samsung refers to as "advanced hardware blocks for multimedia processing." A hardwired Multi-Format Codec (MFC) unit allows the S3C6410 to perform video capturing in MPEG4/H.263/H.264 formats, and play back video in MPEG4/H.263/H.264/VC1 formats, while still delivering long battery life, Samsung says.

According to SmartDevices, the SmartQ5 is equipped with 128MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage, though the company adds without explanation that only 256GB of the latter is available to users. In any case, memory can be expanded using an SDHC slot with a rated capacity of up to 32GB.

The SmartQ5 includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, plus built-in stereo speakers, SmartDevices says. Meanwhile, wireless includes built-in 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.0, according to the company.

SmartDevices says the SmartQ5 includes a high-speed USB On-The-Go port, which allows the MID to be connected to PCs as a device, but also lets it act as a host for selected peripherals. Via this port, the MID is said to be compatible with external USB hard disks, mice, and an available 3G modem.

Features and specifications listed by SmartDevices for the SmartQ5 include the following:

• Processor -- Samsung S36410 clocked at 667MHz
  
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 1GB of flash storage (256MB available to user)
  
• Display -- 4.3-inch touchscreen display with 800 x 480 resolution
  
• Wireless:
  • LAN -- 802.11b/g
    
  • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
    
  • WAN -- 3G via external USB modem (optional)
• Other I/O:
  • USB On-The-Go port
    
  • Headphone jack (presumed but not specified)
• Battery -- 2000mAh; life n/s
  
• Dimensions -- 4.7 x 2.9 x 0.6 inches (120 x 74 x 14mm)
  
• Weight -- 5.3 oz (150g)

Further information

SmartDevices did not release pricing or availability information for the Windows CE 6.0-powered SmartQ5. The Linux-equipped version of the device is reportedly already shipping in China for approximately $150.

More information on the SmartQ5 appears on the SmartDevices website, here.

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