ASUS rolls out GSM phone with Skype, webcam extras

ASUS on Tuesday expanded its burgeoning phone line with the J501. The black slider distinguishes itself through tight integration with PCs as a companion device. Its Bluetooth can be used not only with headsets and for data sync, but to pair with a nearby PC and serve as a Skype phone to avoid eating into free minutes on a cellular plan. The onboard 2-megapixel camera will even work as a webcam for photos and videos when linked to a PC through USB, ASUS is keen to add.

AAC and MP3 audio music playback are possible through the J501 when the phone is loaded with a microSD card for storage. MPEG-4 video playback and an FM radio are also available. Battery life is rated at 2.5 hours of active talk time. The phone operates with a tri-band GSM receiver and should be available first in ASUS' southeast Asian home for $300. See a full photo after the jump.