ASUS launches Android phablet, hybrid laptop in India

Taiwan-based computer products maker ASUS today launched an Android-based 7-inch phablet -- a tablet with voice calling facility -- at a price of Rs 17,499 targetted at young consumers in the country.

The company also launched a Windows 8.1 OS based tablet- cum-laptop at a competitive price of Rs 34,099.

"Both the products, which are powered by Intel Atom processors, would be available in India from November," ASUS India Regional Head - South Asia & Country Manager (System Business Group) Peter Chang told reporters here.

The phablet -- Fonepad 7 -- features a 1.2-megapixel front facing camera, plus a 5-megapixel rear camera offering full HD video recording.

The 3950 mAh battery provides up to 28 hours of 3G talk time; 35 days of standby time and up to 10 hours of video playback, the company said.

The tablet is best suitable for young consumers who want to watch videos, play music and access high speed Internet, Chang said.

"Amid growing popularity of phablets in India, the company is considering coming up with more such large-screen smartphones next year," he said.

The laptop, Transformer Book T100 powered by new Intel Atom quad-core processor, features a detachable 10.1-inch HD display that can be used as a lightweight Windows 8.1 tablet.

"Transformer Book T100 is not only one of the lightest laptops currently available at just 1.07kg, but also one of the lightest 10-inch tablets around, at 550g," it said.

The new Intel Atom processor delivers outstanding performance, long battery life and a great experience for the way people use these devices today, Amit Gupta, Director Business Development, Intel South Asia, said.

The new notebook is one device for office work, mobile gaming and video watching, he said.