New Fonepads from ASUS offer 3G, extra processing power
It wouldn't be an ASUS event without a new device that functions as both a handset and a slate. And, as expected, the Taiwanese company delivered on that front here at Computex; CEO Jonney Shih announced the Fonepad 8, along with a 7-inch version, the Fonepad 7. A follow-up to ASUS' Fonepad 7, the new devices sport similar specs, with improved performance and a slimmer design. Oh, and they boast a 64-bit processor that supposedly crushes other phones when it comes to real-world benchmarks.
On stage, Shih mostly emphasized the 64-bit processor's performance; the Fonepad 8 runs a 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z3560 chip that apparently trounces the competition when it comes to power and efficiency. That speed should make navigating the device's Zen interface a seamless experience, though we'll reserve final judgment until we've tried it out for ourselves. The FonePad 8 also features 3G connectivity for its dual SIM slots.
Back to the more superficial stuff: The new Fonepads sport a very narrow bezel for easy one-handed use, and it will be available in black, red, gold and red. Other specs include dual front speakers (the stand-out feature on the previous Fonepad) and a 1,280 x 800 IPS display (for both the 7- and 8-inch versions). We'll be gathering more specs -- and hands-on impressions -- as soon as possible, so stay tuned.
