Asus + Intel hook up for Fonepad – the smartphone with a tablet
Announced at the World Mobile Congress overnight, Asus announced a US$249 ‘phablet FonePad – a cross between an Android 4.1 smartphone and a 7-inch tablet.
Asus’ Fone Pad is smartphone with a tablet, as opposed to a tablet with a phone, an Asus Australia exec told SmartHouse today, with the voice functions of a smartphone coupled with the entertainment offered by a tablet.
Asus released the PadFone last year in Australia, although they did not release the Padfone 2 here, but now it appears to be rechristening its phablet, putting the Fone first.
However, Asus is also using a new ingredient on its cheap as chips phablet – Intel’s potent Atom Z2420 processor.
The 7″ skinny Fonepad boasts a vibrant HD display (1280 x 800) with IPS technology for wide viewing angles, runs 3G mobile data, weighs a light 340g and has a 10.4mm thin profile.
It also has 1GB RAM and memory can be expanded to 32GB
Asus say the Padfone will be available next month and priced at US$249 for 8GB model and US$219 for the 16GB version
It also has work apps including SuperNote lite and WebStorage Office Online for editng Microsoft Office
But Asus Australia say they are “not sure” when it will be available down under and have “no idea” about local pricing, but should know soon.
But it’s very thin and looks amazing, he added.
Asus, one of the pioneers of the phablet movement which now has plenty of rivals like Samsung Galaxy Note II, already uses Intel chips inside its smartphones.
Intel, who are looking to stay relevant in the mobile centric tech world, says it “will continue to build on this momentum” with Asus as more makers ship Android tablets based on Intel Architecture.
“It is ideal to have a larger screen with entertainment, social media and other online activities now playing an increasingly important part in our mobile lifestyles,” said Jonney Shih, ASUS Chairman.
“The incorporation of 3G mobile data with full telephony support, makes the Fonepad the perfect combination of a tablet and phone in one single device.”
