Asus today announced a device that combines a smartphone, a tablet and a laptop. Priced at Rs 65,000, the PadFone will be available across 40 Asus stores all over India and from regional distributors.
This device can be used with a single 3G SIM card which would allow a user to make voice calls in addition to working on documents and sending e-mails. The device is more expensive than the iPad and iPhone combined. However, despite its high price the company sees demand for this kind of a gadget. “Technology and user behaviour changed, and as products and manufacturers we have to transform ourselves to meet customer needs,” said Alex Huang, Managing Director, Systems Business Group, Asus India.
According to industry watchers, the company is targeting a combination of first-time smartphone users and high networth individuals, whose demand for high-end tablets and ultrabooks is increasing. According to market research, sales of tablets grew at 156 per cent, of smartphones at 42 per cent and of notebooks grew at 13 per cent last year.
venkatesh.ganesh@thehindu.co.in
Keywords: Asus India, tablet, laptop, PadFone, new product launch, Alex Huang, product features, smartphone,
Comments:
If Asus thinks that the market is going to accept a device with those
uses for 65000,when they can have iphone,ipads, and the whole range of
smartphones available for 40% less price ...then they have Lost it!!
Note : Do you guys remember Motorola Atrix Series ???????
Is the price they have announced a genuine mistake? This seems like a product that belongs in the category of 'Concept'. It is simply, overpriced. Features notwithstanding, to appeal to the mainstream it needs to be in the range of 35-40k surely not more than that.
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