ASUS rolls out GSM phone with Skype, webcam extras
updated 04:00 pm EST, Tue February 6, 2007
ASUS J501 Media Phone
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.
