The newest entry into the smartphone/tablet arena isn't one or the other, but a combo of both: the Asus Padfone.
Unveiled at Taiwan's Computex tradeshow, which begins today, the hybrid operates much like the Motorola Atrix, except without a keyboard. In this device, the 4.3-inch smartphone docks into the back of the 10.1-inch tablet, although both can be used separately, as well.
Watch this video, which reminds me of one of the cheesier commercials that run rampant through Asia, and throughout most of it, the handsome Eurasian lead looks to his smartphone for guidance. But it doesn't look like anything out of the ordinary, until 1:32 minutes into the video, when he docks it into the tablet. Then the oohs and aahs by the girls he's picked up on the bus really go crazy.
Information is scarce on the device, but Asus does reveal that apps transfer between the devices; that users can enlarge screen sizes; shares one SIM card; and that the tab acts as an extended battery/phone charger.
Engadget explored a prototype of the second-gen Android tab. Looks like the release might come around Christmas, with the Ice Cream Sandwich Android update, but no official word on that or the price yet.
More stories:
- Motorola Atrix phone/laptop combo can't live up to hype
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- Report: Amazon to release two tablets this year
- iPad still rules tablet purchases
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