ASUS officially announces the Fonepad 7-inch Android tablet that Makes Calls

ASUS put up two teaser videos last week hinting towards some of their new products that they planned to unveil at Mobile World Congress. The last video pretty much solidified that thoughts and rumors of the Fonepad device. It is a 7-inch tablet with a resolution of 1280 x 800 that also includes 3G voice and mobile data capabilities.

The Fonepad packs in a new Intel Atom Z2420 1.2GHz single-sore processor along with 1GB of RAM. It will come in two memory options, 8GB and 16GB, but both will have an expandable memory card slot which will support a 32GB card. Both models will pack in 3G voice and data abilities, a 1.2 MP front facing camera and a optional 3MP rear camera with 720 recording capabilities. Users who pick up any model of the Fonepad will also get a free for life 5GB ASUS WebStorage account that lets you sync and share data with other devices.

Pricing for the new Fonepad are fairly competitive to the other tablet offerings on the market. Starting in March you can get the 8GB model with the rear camera option in U.S. for $249. in APEC markets and from €219 (MSRP) for 16GB storage with no rear camera in Europe.

Press Release

ASUS Announces 7-inch Fonepadâ„¢ with 3G Mobile Data and Voice-Calling
Built-in 3G for fast mobile data and full telephony support give two-in-one
flexibility at a competitive price

Mobile 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 the 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 Ultrabookâ„¢ 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 Atomâ„¢ Z2420 processor delivers the power, performance and flexibility required to accommodate a range of devices and market needs. We think the ASUS Fonepadâ„¢ 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 ideal 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 a 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 Fonepadâ„¢ is an always-connected mobile device for seamless web browsing, fast downloads from Google Play Store, and smooth streaming of audio and video. Thanks to its full 3G telephony support, Fonepadâ„¢ can also be used for voice calls using the built-in noise-cancelling digital microphone or an optional Bluetooth headset. With just one mobile data plan to pay for, running costs are also much lower than those of a separate smartphone and 3G tablet.
Fonepadâ„¢ is available in 8GB and 16GB capacities, and has an SD card slot for up to 32GB of additional storage. All models feature a front 1.2-megapixel camera 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 enhance productivity
ASUS Fonepadâ„¢ comes with a number of exclusive ASUS productivity apps: Floating App for easy management of running apps and multi-tasking; SuperNote lite for handwritten notes and drawing; and WebStorage Office Online for Microsoft Office-compatible document editing on the move. Fonepadâ„¢ 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 Fonepadâ„¢. Available in four snazzy colors, VersaSleeve 7 is a wraparound cover with a folding design that both protects Fonepadâ„¢, and props up the screen in two different positions for typing and watching video. Turn Case is a lightweight hardshell case for Fonepadâ„¢ that features a soft interior that keeps 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 globally from March 2013. Fonepad™ prices start from US$249 (MSRP) for 8GB storage with three-megapixel rear camera in APEC markets and from €219 (MSRP) for 16GB storage with no rear camera in Europe. VersaSleeve costs €19.99 and Turn Case €39.99 (both MSRP). Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.