ASUS PadFone pops up in clearer shots [U]
updated 12:30 pm EDT, Sun May 29, 2011
ASUS PadFone gets clearer imagery
(Update: new photo, explanation) ASUS' PadFone may have been given its first real details after one more sighting showed much more of the design. The repeatedly teased hardware now clearly shows a phone with the standard Android touch-sensitive buttons as well as a companion tablet. While not mentioned in the NotebookItalia slip, it is presumed the two are dependent on each other and that the phone can share calls or its Internet connection with the tablet.
Most of the details aren't known, including which versions of Android both sides are running and what the performance would be with either device. As an ASUSDesign model with brushed metal accents, though, it's likely to be relatively modern.
ASUS is expected to show all about the PadFone, an extra-thin Eee PC, the MeMo tablet, and other devices as soon as Monday, just before Computex is due to start.
Update: An extra scoop Sunday afternoon from PocketNow has shown much of how it works. The phone cradles inside the tablet itself so it can be completely stowed while the tablet is in use. At least some integration seems likely since a hole exists in the tablet's cover to use the phone's camera.
Apart from the tie-in, the finding shows the tablet having dual speakers.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2010
They're not even trying anymore
The name must have taken all but 5 minutes to come up with. I see a Dilbert comic coming:
Asus Engineer: We have a tablet that looks like an iPad and can hold a phone...what should we call it?
Asus Marketer: iPadphone stupid.
Asus Engineer: Doesn't that sound like iPad and iPhone?
Asus Marketer: OK....PadFone....they'll never know.
credit to Asus for trying something new (listening Samsung) but come on guys. This thing will sell in few numbers to Geeks assuming it even makes it to market. Who's going to want to keep taking their phone in and out. What do you do if you get a call, either fumble to get the phone out or look like an idiot holding the tablet to your head.