Chinese TransPhone launches, competes with Asus PadFone
updated 09:47 am EDT, Wed September 26, 2012
Phone docks into screen, creating tablet
China Union Branch has put its own phone-to-tablet device on the market. The TransPhone uses the Asus PadFone concept of docking a smaller phone into a larger flat panel display, effectively turning it into a tablet. This version, however, does so at a lower pricepoint, and with a significantly reduced set of specifications.
The main part, the phone, has a 3.5-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 800x480 and multitouch. Running on Android 2.3.5, it has a Snapdragon S1 processor with 512MB of RAM, 512MB integrated storage, and a 32GB MicroSD card as expanded storage. The quad-band handset also has GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus, and a 300,000 pixel front camera. The 7-inch dock screen called the TransPad also holds a second 2,800mAh battery, supporting the 1,450mAh battery in the TransPhone itself.
The basic TransPhone and TransPad set will cost $430 together, while individually they cost $380 and $140 respectively. Bundles are available, such as the Family Pack consisting of two TransPhones, three TransPads and two chargers for $1000, and the Business Pack of ten TransPhones and 15 TransPads for $4500.
The original Asus Padfone in comparison costs $900. [via Tablet News]
