ASUS MeMo Pad HD 7 coming to the US for $149; emerging markets get 8GB $129 version (hands-on)

Joining ASUS' MeMo Pad family today are a couple of self-explanatory models: the MeMo Pad HD 7 and the MeMo Pad FHD 10. While we've already gotten to test out the 10-inch model, this is the first we've seen of the 7-incher. Like the current Nexus 7, which this is going to replace, it has a 1,280 x 800 screen. With this new generation, though, it adds 5-megapixel and 1.2-megapixel cameras, SonicMaster audio and an ARM Cortex A7 quad-core CPU. Oh, and it adds a microSD slot and a micro-USB socket, two things the Nexus 7 doesn't have. Unlike a Nexus product, the OS is the slightly older Android 4.0. (Update: ASUS has confirmed that the tablet will launch with up-to-date Android 4.2. Apologies for any confusion.)

The big news here, however, is the price. As Chairman Jonney Shih said during its reveal, we needed our cameras, because it'll arrive priced at a pretty incredible $149 for 16GB and $129 for 8GB. In addition, he clarified that the super-low-cost $129 version is aimed at emerging markets for now, though the $149 model is headed to the US and elsewhere. We're not sure when that'll be, but for now, with these prices and specs, consider us tempted. In the meantime, head past the break for the full hands-on treatment.%Gallery-190088%

In our brief hands-on, we quickly noticed the Memo Pad HD 7 has a glossy finish, which is a stark departure from the rubbery texture of the Nexus 7. It'll be available in four colors: black (naturally), white, pink and yellow. Even under the glare of the spotlights here at ASUS' press event, the 7-inch, 1,280 x 800 IPS screen remained easy to read, even at off angles. The quad-core A7 CPU also seemed up to the task of launching apps and keeping up with brisk OS navigation, though a true apples-to-apples comparison won't be possible until we actually get one in to review. For now, glean what you will from our hands-on video below, and enjoy our hands-on shots too.

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ASUS Announces MeMO Pad HD 7 and MeMO Pad FHD 10 Tablets

New 7-inch and 10-inch tablets with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean feature high-definition displays and incredible ASUS SonicMaster audio

Computex Taipei, Taiwan (3 June, 2013) - ASUS today announced the new MeMO PadTMTM HD 7 and MeMO PadTM FHD 10 Android tablets. With an MSRP of just US$ 129 for 8G and US$149 for 16G, the MeMO PadTM HD 7 is a 7-inch tablet that offers incredible value, with a quad-core processor, 1280 x 800 IPS display, and 1.2-megapixel front and optional 5-megapixel rear cameras. MeMO PadTM FHD 10 is a 10-inch tablet with the new Intel® Atom™ Z2560 processor, 1920 x 1200 Full HD IPS display and ASUS SonicMaster audio technology.

ASUS MeMO PadTM HD 7 - the value tablet for mobile entertainment
ASUS MeMO PadTM HD 7 has a quad-core processor and 1GB RAM for smooth and responsive performance with apps of all kinds. The 7-inch display has a 1280 x 800 native resolution for crisp text and images, and IPS technology for accurate, vibrant colors with 170-degree wide viewing angles. MeMO PadTM HD 7 also features high-quality stereo speakers with enhanced sound, courtesy of ASUS SonicMaster audio technology.
ASUS MeMO PadTM HD 7 has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing HD camera that can capture 720p HD videos and models are also available with a rear 5-megapixel camera. Just 10.8mm thick and 302g, the feature-packed MeMO PadTM HD 7 has a lithium polymer battery that lasts for up to 10 hours with 720p video playback. Models are available in four colors - black, white, pink and green.
MeMO PadTM HD 7 has 16GB of storage and a MicroSD card slot, plus 16GB ASUS WebStorage free for one year. Together with the ASUS WebStorage Office, users can view, create, edit and share Microsoft Office documents online.

ASUS MeMO PadTM FHD 10 - the multimedia tablet of choice
ASUS MeMO PadTM FHD 10 features the latest Intel® Atom™ Z2560 1.6GHz processor and a 1920 x 1200 Full HD IPS display for deliver vivid visuals with 178-degree wide viewing angles. MeMO PadTM FHD 10 has stereo speakers with SonicMaster audio technology and its 10-inch screen makes it ideal for entertainment, 1080p video playback and handheld gaming.
MeMO PadTM FHD 10 features Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology for improved graphics performance and increased energy efficiency. The slim design has a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera and a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus for impressive photos and 1080p video recording.
ASUS MeMO PadTM FHD 10 is just 9.5mm thick and 580g light, and its lithium polymer battery lasts for up to 10 hours with 720p video playback. The 'micro-weave finish' is available in Royal Blue, Silk White, and Vivid Pink.
MeMO PadTM FHD 10 has full connectivity options, including 802.11a/b/g/n, GPS and GLONASS navigation. ASUS Miracast wirelessly connects the tablet to a Wi-Fi enabled TV or projector to share movies, photos and presentations. MeMO PadTM FHD 10 is available with 16GB or 32GB storage and both capacities also feature a microSD card slot. 5GB of free lifetime ASUS WebStorage is also included.

MeMO PadTM Accessories
Both MeMO PadTM HD 7 and MeMO PadTM FHD 10 come include a protective TransCover with microfiber interior. TransCover folds into a stand to prop up the tablet at the perfect angles for watching video and typing with the on-screen keyboard. TransCover is available in blue, pink, white and black for the MeMO PadTM HD 7; and black, pink and green for the MeMO PadTM FHD 10.
The Persona Cover for the MeMO PadTM HD 7 is also available. Available in black, pink and green, this is a snug-fit case that protects the tablet from everyday bumps and scrapes.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ASUS MeMO PadTM HD 7 has an MSRP of US$ 129 for 8G and US$149 for 16G and will be available starting in July 2013. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

Zach Honig and Dana Wollman contributed to this report.