While Asus’s PadFone includes a smartphone and a tablet docking station, the company’s newly announced 7-inch FonePad combines a phone and a tablet into a single device. Announced at the MWC 2013, the FonePad does what its name suggests. With built-in 3G mobile data and phone functionality, the device provides both the voice communication feature of a phone and the entertainment experience offered by a tablet. It is ideal for users who only want to bring just one device and are willing to use a 7-incher as a phone.
The Asus FonePad has a design similar to the Nexus 7, and comes with Titanium Gray or Champagne Gold metallic finish, and adds a 3 Megapixel rear facing camera with 720p HD video recording. There is also a 1.2 Megapixel front-facing camera for video chat and self-portrait. The tablet sports a 7-inch 1280×800 IPS touch display, and supports Bluetooth 3.0 and WiFi 802.11b/g/n. The phone-tablet hybrid boasts an Intel Atom Z2420 1.2Ghz processor and 1GB of RAM. There are 8GB or 16GB onboard storage and a microSD slot for up to 32GB card.
The FonePad supports quad-band GSM/EDGE and quad-band HSPA mobile network, and uses micro SIM card. Other features include GPS/GLONASS, e-compass, built-in speakers with SonicMaster technologu and MaxxAudio 3 processing for enhanced sound quality, and 9 hours of battery life. Running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the Intel-powered tablet comes pre-loaded with custom Asus Launcher, Kindle, Zinio, SuperNote Lite applications. It measures 196.4 x 120.1 x 10.4 mm and weighs 340g.
Asus will also release the VersaSleeve 7, a wraparound cover with a folding design that both protects FonePad and serves as a stand; and the Turn Case, a lightweight hardshell case with soft interiro and built-in stand.
