MWC 2013: Asus unveils 7-inch Fonepad tablet

Asus yesterday took the covers off the Fonepad, a 7-inch tablet that supports 3G voice and mobile data. The tablet is powered by an Intel Atom Z2420 processor and runs Android 4.1. It features an HD display with IPS technology for wide viewing angles.

The Asus Fonepad has a metallic design and weighs 340g. It is 10.4mm thick and the 7-inch screen has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. It also supports 3G data connections and can be used for voice calls using the built-in noise-cancelling digital microphone or a Bluetooth headset.

"It is ideal to have a larger screen with entertainment, social media and other online activities now playing an increasingly important part in our mobile lifestyles," said Jonney Shih, Chairman, Asus. "The incorporation of 3G mobile data with full telephony support makes the Fonepad a perfect combination of tablet and phone in one single device."

"Extending our long history of collaboration, including most recently on the Ultrabook and Intel-based tablets, we are very excited to be partnering with Asus again," said Hermann Eul, Vice President, Intel, and Co-General Manager of the Mobile and Communications Group. "Intel's new Atom Z2420 processor delivers the power, performance and flexibility required to accommodate a range of devices and market needs. We think the ASUS Fonepad is a very innovative device in an emerging category of 3G tablets with telephony features."

Has the capabilities of a smartphone and a tablet

The Fonepad comes with 16GB of internal storage and is expandable by up to 32GB via microSD cards. There's also a front-facing 1.2 megapixel camera on the tablet.

The Asus Fonepad comes with a number of exclusive Asus productivity apps: Floating App for easy management of running apps and multi-tasking; SuperNote Lite for handwritten notes and drawing; and WebStorage Office Online for Microsoft Office-compatible document editing on the move. Fonepad users also get 5GB of free lifetime Asus WebStorage for syncing and sharing data with other devices.

Two new optional accessories are also available for the Fonepad. VersaSleeve 7 is a wraparound cover with a folding design that both protects the Fonepad and props up the screen in two different positions for typing and watching video. Turn Case is a lightweight, hard-shell case for Fonepad that features a soft interior to keep the screen clean, besides a built-in stand that places the screen at a perfect angle for watching video.

The Asus Fonepad and accessories will be available in the UK in late Q2 2013. Prices start from SRP £179 (inc VAT) (Rs 14,619 approx.) for the 16GB Fonepad. VersaSleeve costs £19.99 (Rs 1,633 approx.) and Turn Case £39.99 (both SRP inc VAT) (Rs 3,266).

Exact pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.