14 DAY TRIAL // Back at MWC 2014 we told you we had the opportunity to spend some time with the ASUS FonePad 7 tablet, LTE edition. While the FonePad 7 has been out for quite a while, the Taiwanese manufacturer took the chance to unveil a new LTE model in Barcelona.
Last month we couldn't tell you the exact details of when the tablet might be ready to ship out to customers, but now it appears the Global Certification Forum has given the green light to the product on March 21; so judging by that, it should be able to ship out anytime soon.
If you haven’t heard of the Global Certification Forum, this is a joint venture between mobile network operators, mobile device makers and the testing industry.
And since the device looks to be prepped for official launch, let’s take a quick tour and see what’s new about the LTE enhanced ASUS FonePad 7 (and what’s old, too).
First, we should remind you that the original ASUS FonePad (ME372CG) was introduced last year and came equipped with a functional 7-inch screen and the option to place phone calls.
Abiding to the latest trend observed in tablet products these days, ASUS has refreshed the slate by adding LTE/3G functionality.
So, the LTE version comes with an IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and draws power from an Intel Atom Z2560 processor clocked at 1.6GHz combined with 1GB of RAM.
Other drawing points of the tablet include dual cameras (5MP on the back and 1.2MP in front), 16GB of internal storage, microSD card reader, stereo speakers with SonicMaster audio and a decent 3950 mAh battery.
While this isn't the largest battery we have seen by far, ASUS says it is capable of providing up to 25 hours of 3G talk time and 11 hours of video playback.
The slate will be available in multiple stylish colors, including Sapphire Black, Diamond White, Ceramics White and Grey. ASUS has also been readying some new accessories to go with the LTE tablet. One of them is the NFC/Bluetooth Stereo Headset, which has been designed to enable users to “enjoy talking and music limitlessly on the go.”
The second one is a pretty stylish cover case, designed especially for the ASUS FonePad and is called the TriCover. The slate will not only provide protection on the go, but will also allow users to prop the tablet in the optimal position while movie watching and what not.
As far as the OS goes, the Fonepad 7 LTE will run Android 4.3 out of the box. Pricing specifications are expected to revolve around the €249 / $342 margin.