Packaging

The Q11 comes in a small package. The front has some interesting information on its usage and informs us that this unit is based on an ARM CPU.


This side has a table with the unit's main specifications.


Our sample was, according to this table, a basic one. Things would be a lot more interesting if they were to release a unit with a quad-core CPU and 4 GB of RAM.

Contents

The main box contains two smaller ones. The first—the red box—contains the Q11 and the other holds all of its accessories.


The box of accessories contains the AC power cord, the remote control, the detachable WiFi antenna, and a set of foot pads.


You will only receive a quick installation guide, a remote control guide, and the Q11. There is no proper user manual, not even in .pdf format, so you will be left without appropriate help if you have any queries on how to install the internal HDD or exploit the remote control for the Q11's operation. This is unacceptable for a product that almost costs $130, and Giada should immediately look into providing a user manual. Not all users are experts on such gadgets, and anyone would appreciate a proper manual that explains such crucial matters as those I mentioned in detail.


The remote control of the Q11 is bulky, which doesn't suit the Android OS, especially the vanilla version that Giada uses. They should, ideally, use a remote control similar to the ACRyan Veolo that interacts with the user's movements. We highly recommend you to immediately connect a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse to the Q11 to make your life a lot easier. Also, the remote control sometimes refuses to work for no apparent reason. We tried three sets of new AAA batteries, but the problem persisted. We should also mention that the bundle doesn't come with batteries for the remote control, which is no good at all since their cost is negligible, and an end-user may not have any available after unboxing and installing the Q11.


The power brick is provided by Huntkey, a Chinese PSU OEM with fairly good products. Its model number is HKA06012050-7A, and it can deliver up to 60 W of power, which is more than enough for the Q11 unit.

Exterior

The casing and the finish both look slick. The metal chassis is of good quality and will surely withstand much abuse, protecting the unit's internals effectively. The front has a small LED indicator that turns green once the Q11 is operating. A big, circular on/off button is situated right next to the LED.


This side has the SD/MMC card slot, audio and SPDIF outputs, a USB 2.0 port (OTG) through which you can connect the Q11 to a host PC, and a speaker header for external audio devices.


Here, we meet a back-light power supply port for LCD displays, two holes that hide the reset and firmware-update buttons, and a COM (serial) port.


Most of the I/O ports are at the back, including the antenna connector, an LVDS interface, HDMI and DSub outputs, an Ethernet port, four USB 2.0 ports, and the DC input.


A small label that informs us about the unit's compliances, the product type and model number, and the input power rating can be found on the unit's underside.