Asus have decided that we need a tablet that can be used as a phone. Not the other way as per the norm. They have partnered with Intel to bring us the Asus Fonepad.
The guys in Barcelona have yet to get their hands on the Fonepad over at MWC. Hopefully we’ll see something today from them. In the meantime check out these promo videos from Asus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuMHScgnRUI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ki_LaDoYwk
oh and lastly here is the press release with some official info about the Fonepad
Built-in 3G for fast mobile data and full telephony support give two-in-one
flexibility at a competitive priceMobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain (25th February, 2013) — ASUS today announced Fonepad™, a competitively priced handheld with 3G voice and mobile data for all the features of a smartphone, with the versatility of a 7-inch tablet. Powered by a new Intel® Atom™ Z2420 processor with Android 4.1, Fonepad™ features a vibrant HD display with IPS technology for wide viewing angles and outstanding clarity.
“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.”
“Extending our long history of collaboration, including most recently on the Ultrabook™ and Intel-based tablets, we are very excited to be partnering with ASUS again,” said Hermann Eul, Intel® vice president and co-general manager of the Mobile and Communications Group. “Intel’s new Atom™ Z2420 processor delivers the power, performance and flexibility required to accommodate a range of devices and market needs. We think the ASUS Fonepad™ is a very innovative device in an emerging category of 3G tablets with telephony features.”
Beautiful metallic design with Intel® Atom™ performance
ASUS Fonepad™ is perfect for people who value both the voice communication features of a smartphone and the entertainment opportunities afforded by a tablet, but prefer the convenience of carrying just one device. Fonepad™ is a sleek and compact tablet with a metallic design that can be held comfortably in one hand, thanks to its light 340g weight and slim 10.4mm profile. Powered by the latest Intel® Atom™ Z2420 processor with full Android compatibility, Fonepad™ features perfect balance of performance and energy efficiency, with hardware-accelerated 1080p Full HD video decoding and up to nine hours of battery life.
The 7-inch screen features 10-point multi-touch, and a crisp 1280 x 800 HD resolution for crisp, readable web page text and incredibly detailed photos. IPS technology ensures vibrant color with 178-degree wide viewing angles, and images that are clear and bright, even outdoors.
Built-in 3G for mobile data and voice calls
Built-in 3G with HSPA+ mobile data means ASUS Fonepad™ is an always-connected mobile device for seamless web browsing, fast downloads from Google Play Store, and smooth streaming of audio and video. Thanks full 3G telephony support, Fonepad™ can also be used for voice calls using the built-in noise-cancelling digital microphone or a Bluetooth headset — and with just one mobile data plan to pay for, running costs are much lower than a separate smartphone and 3G tablet.
Fonepad™ is available with 8GB or 16GB of storage, and also has an SD card slot for up to 32GB of additional storage. All models feature a front 1.2-megapixel for easy video chat and an optional rear 3-megapixel autofocus camera with 720p HD video recording. ASUS SonicMaster audio technology with MaxxAudio 3 processing by Waves ensures clear, well-rounded sound quality.
Exclusive ASUS apps and accessories for greater productivity
ASUS Fonepad™ comes with a number of exclusive ASUS productivity apps: Floating App for easy management of running apps and simpler multi-tasking; SuperNote lite for handwritten notes and drawing; and WebStorage Office Online for Microsoft Office-compatible document editing on the move. Fonepad™ users also get 5GB of free lifetime ASUS WebStorage for syncing and sharing data with other devices.
Two new optional accessories are also available for Fonepad. Available in four snazzy colors, VersaSleeve 7 is a wraparound cover with a folding design that both protects Fonepad™, and props up the screen in two different positions for typing and watching video. Turn Case is a lightweight hardshell case for Fonepad™ that features with a soft interior that keeps keep the screen clean and a built-in stand that puts the screen at the perfect angle for watching video.
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ASUS Fonepad™ and accessories will be available from March 2013. Prices start from €219 (MSRP) for the 8GB Fonepad™ with rear three-megapixel camera. VersaSleeve has an MSRP of €19.99 and Turn Case an MSRP of €39.99.