ECS intros odd tablet with iPhone dock

Better known for its mainboards, ECS used its presence at Computex to show an unusual tablet that would serve as an extension of a smartphone. Much like the ASUS PadFone, the 9.7-inch tablet would have a dock on its back to cradle a smartphone. Where ASUS' model is specific to its Android companion, the version on show was designed to cradle an iPhone 4 and should also eventually have modular support for Android, Windows Phone, and other iOS devices.

The prototype wasn't working, and it wasn't explained exactly how it would interact if at all with the phone. The tablet is partly independent and has its own front camera, HDMI output, SD card slot, and pair of USB ports. Most phones can't use the secondary features and are normally limited to video out, suggesting the tablet is more a conventional tablet with an option of syncing phones through the dock instead of a USB cable.

ECS has estimated that the tablet is relatively close even in its early state and should arrive in the summer for under $200. [via ITProPortal]

By Electronista Staff