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Asus Announces Padfone, a Smartphone-Tablet Combo

May 30, 2011, 8:01 AM by Eric M. Zeman

Asus today announced a new product that blends the functionality of both an Android smartphone with an Android tablet. The Padfone features an Android smartphone that docks inside a slate-style tablet device. The tablet device offers a bigger screen, stereo speakers, and an extended battery, but the operating system and core features are provided by the smartphone. Asus says the operating system can transition seamlessly between the phone and tablet when the phone is inserted. Asus points out that this will allow users to "eliminate data transfer" as all the data and media are kept on the smartphone and don't need to be installed/replicated on the tablet. It also supports the smartphones cellular capabilities without the need for a second SIM card/data subscription, and the pad can be used to charge the phone's battery when needed. Asus shared few other details, but indicated that it is targeting a holiday launch for the product.

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Comments

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neurocutie

May 30, 2011, 11:11 PM

carriers won't be happy...

that they won't be able to charge you an extra $30-50/mo for a whole separate data plan just for the tablet... I guess they'll call this "tethering" even though its all the same CPU, etc... an extra $20 monthly charge for "screen tethering"... that's the ticket!

Jayshmay

"screen tethering" fancy words. 😎

T Bone

Unless it results in increased data usage, and increased therefore puts greater strain on the network, the carrier won't care one way or the other.

...

MileHigh8710

May 30, 2011, 8:25 AM

They have a good selling point

The fact that you already pay monthly for your cellular service and now you will be able to use your tablet without the extra monthly charge is a real good deal.

I know you can have the phone plans with the "Turn your phone into a hotspot" now days but me personally don't know how fast and reliable that type of browsing is.

Overall I think it was a innovative idea, so thumbs up to Asus for thinking outside the box.

Versed

I'm sure you aren't going to find this on AT&T anytime soon, and as a matter of fact, if they see this, they're going to have a seziure.

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Mark_S

May 30, 2011, 9:39 AM

Asus

Excellent products from this company period.

Versed

Mark,
I have a Transformer, and love it. The only thing that concerns me about this, is whats the phone like. Its like being lost in the rhetoric. Think about it, the actual phone is going to be used far more then the pad in most cases.

...

island-guy

May 30, 2011, 3:00 PM

Will this sell unlocked?

No doubt it will release with ice cream sandwich. Wonder what the phone specs will be, build looks nice.....so sad that this is what the motorola atrix should've been...... 😢

kingstu

In the regions where they have sold cellphones before, Taiwan, Singapore and other locations have devices sold unlocked. If they have at least triband 3G modems it should be able to be used on AT&T.

algorithmplus

After AT&T closes its acquisition of T-Mobile, it won't matter to Americans since there will essentially be only 1 GSM service available to most (unless you have a small mom and pop GSM carrier in your market.)

devilsmafia

May 30, 2011, 1:32 PM

Amazing Idea...

This is one of those things that you say to yourself "why didnt I think of that". This could possibly be my next device depending on the specs of both devices. With the solid build of Asus products somethig like this could be the item of the year to have. 🤤

Larrys7791

May 30, 2011, 9:46 AM

Is there a price on this yet.

If there is I missed it.

Daniel Dc5

May 30, 2011, 9:34 AM

thats a good idea.

I like the way the phone hides in its own pocket, keepit it out of harms way.

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