Early this month, we got a glimpse of ASUS’ plans for mobile world domination and one of those involved a new FonePad hybrid. That device might be arriving soon, as an online retailer has put up a page accepting pre-orders for one variant of the upcoming ASUS FonePad HD 7.
ASUS unveiled the first FonePad at the Mobile World Congress last February. The device is a cross between a tablet and a phone, offering complete telephony functionality, including calls, on a 7-inch form factor. We were able to get a short hands-on experience with the original FonePad and couldn’t quite decide if we were prepared to say goodbye to phones that we can stow away quickly in our pocket in exchange for a tablet and a phone in one device.
However, ASUS obviously believes there is such a market for this kind of device as it has been rumored to be working on a successor. And last week, we got word about its hardware. The FonePad HD 7 seems only a slight upgrade from the first model, now running on a dual-core Intel Atom Z2560 at 1.6 GHz. It also sports a slightly higher 3 megapixel rear camera. Other than that, most of the specs remained the same. It will still have a 7-inch 1280×800 display, 1 GB of RAM, and a 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera.
The online shop accepting pre-orders marks the 8 GB version as costing 232 euros, around $310. A 16 GB version will also be available, but the store doesn’t seem to have any entry for that one yet. ASUS so far hasn’t made any hint regarding the FonePad HD 7, so actual availability and pricing are unknown.
VIA: Notebook Italia
There is a market for this kind of device. I am it. What Asus could do is help propagate some svelt but effective bumpers and screen protectors. I’ve got big pants pockets, but the cover I have gives the device an even bigger foot print in my pocket, maxing out the size. I’d much rather forgo the cover for a bumper and screen protector combination so that it slid in an out of my pocket easier.
But I love the device. Ever since the Palm Pilot device came out in 1998, I’ve been dreaming of one device that could do all things. Normal smart phones have screens too small to use as a reader or for watching video. The device, over time, will allow me to carry my entire library with me, something impossible before now. If I stop in at a coffee shop, I’m surfing the net comfortably on a screen I don’t have to wince at. This is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
I am looking forward to generation or two farther down the line when it has the same screen as the current new Nexus 7 tablet plus the even svelter body that the Nexus tablet has. But until that day, I have a great device that does all things.
When this tablet will be available in India??