News & Reviews:   Asus FonePad 7

Intel Malaysia recently held a media briefing with Sumner Lemon, Country Manager for Intel Malaysia and Singapore where he outlined key Intel IT highlights from 2014 and IT predictions for 2015. During 2014 Intel made a big push for Intel powered mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones resulting in many affordable devices like the ASUS ZenFone smartphones and various other Intel-powered tablets. In doing so Intel revealed their new 14nm fabricated processors like the 5th generation Intel Core series and Intel Atom Z3000 series, many of which have already been released in 64-bit powered tablets like the ASUS Fonepad 8 and ASUS Fonepad 7. Last year also saw the introduction of Intel's foray in wearables with Galileo, Edison and Curie all of which are teeny tiny Systems-on-Chips (SoC) much like Raspberry Pi which will enable intelligent devices even on your shirt buttons. New technologies like the RealSense 3D cameras can enable gesture driven computers and notebooks while wireless charging may soon be implemented in airports around the world.

Those looking for a larger smartphone or tablet with phone capabilities may often find that these devices are rather larger than the actual screen. For those looking for a more compact 7-inch display smartphone or 3G tablet, ASUS have come out with their ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG. Noticeably more compact, slimmer and thinner, this tablet with smartphone capabilities offers a good amount of features and tech specs including a new 64-bit processor. However, is it the all-in-one device you're looking for? Check out our review of the ASUS Fonepad 7 FE375CG below.

The new ASUS Fonepad 8 FE380CG is one of ASUS new wave of 64-bit Intel Atom processor powered Android tablets. Unlike the previous ASUS Fonepad tablets, the Fonepad 8 sports a larger 8-inch display but manages to fit this into a chassis that is thinner than the original Fonepad 7 but is the same width. Does it manage to deliver in every other aspect as well? Read our full review of the ASUS Fonepad 8 FE380CG in this article.

ASUS Malaysia continues it's Android 4.4 KitKat roll-out for many of it's devices with the Fonepad 7 FE170CG tablet. Users can now download it via their Firmware Over-the-Air or FOTA update. To do so manually, go to Settings > About > System Update but as long as you are connected to the Internet you should get your FOTA update notification soon. Just in case, this latest system firmware has a build-number of KVT49L.WW_fonepad-11.2.3.17.3-20141006 release-keys. Further enticing users, ASUS Malaysia have now dropped the price for the Fonepad 7 FE170CG 8GB version down to RM429 from it's original pricing of RM599.

ASUS Malaysia recently released one of the first of their planned 64-bit Intel Atom processor powered tablets with the ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE375CG). The tablet follows the slim bezel 7-inch display design as before while featuring dual-SIM capabilities, 3G connectivity and phone functions. Other tech specs include a 64-bit 1.83GHz Intel Atom Z3560 processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB / 16GB storage + 5GB ASUS Webstorage, 7-inch display with 1280 x 800 pixel screen resolution, 5MP PixelMaster rear camera, 2MP front camera and Android 4.4 KitKat. The tablet will feature the ASUS ZenUI and weigh in at just 299g. It is available in black and white for now. The retail pricing according to Dynamics Distribution is set at RM649 but we've seen it being sold on the local market for as low as RM599. The new range of 64-bit Intel Atom processors should bring increased performance and better graphics but we'll be able to say more after we have the review unit for testing. In the meantime, check out the video below:

While ASUS have already announced a 64-bit tablet with the ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE375CG) they recently brought another 64-bit tablet to the family with the official announcement of a 64-bit ASUS MeMo Pad 7 (ME572C/CL). In terms of design,  the tablet offers more colours and slimmer bezels. Unlike the Fonepad 7, this MeMo Pad 7 tablet does not pack in 3G or 4G LTE. Tech specs for the tablet include a 1.86GHz Intel Atom processor,  1GB RAM, 7-inch IPS screen with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution and oleophobic coating along with a 5MP rear camera and  2MP front camera.  The cameras use ASUS PixelMaster camera technoloogy while the tablet measures in at 113.7 x 189.3 x 9.6mm and 295g. No news yet on Malaysia release dates or pricing but early performance benchmarks have these new 64-bit Intel Atom processor working very well so stay tuned for more developments. 

ASUS Malaysia recently announced that they would hold a roadshow for various ASUS products that would include the ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), ASUS Transformer Book T100 and ASUS ZenFone smartphones at Centre Court in Mid Valley Megamall from 20 august 2014 to 24 August 2014. The roadshow would include various activities and the chance to redeem ASUS Zen Owl premiums and freebies. In addition, the first 50 customers in the queue on 23 to 24 August will get the chance to purchase certain ASUS products (ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG), ASUS Transformer Book T100, etc.) at just RM1 or get free ASUS accessories. Lucky draw winners who Like the ASUS Facebook Page and fill out the Zen Owl Survey Form may also win either an ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) tablet or ASUS ZenFone 4 (A450CG) smartphone. Check out the full promo in this article.

Calling all large smartphone fans (especially those looking to replace their current 7-inch smartphones), ASUS Malaysia is now offering their slim and trim 8GB ASUS Fonepad 7 (FE170CG) smartphone for just RM429. The tablet with smartphone capabilities features the new ASUS ZenUI which can be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat and connects to 3G at speeds of up to 42Mbps. It supports Dual SIM and offers tech specs which include a 1.2gHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2520 processor, 1GB RAM and for this promotion, 8GB worth of storage. A 2MP rear camera and VGA front camera round up the other features along with GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 and up to 64GB microSD support. The slimmer bezels on this version of the Fonepad 7 make it more compact and easier to carry around while the low promo price of RM429 should be available at the larger stores and authorized distributors here in Malaysia.

Most tablets today have 7-inch sized screens. However, for some people, adding on just another inch is more than enough to make a tablet device much better, which is why ASUS have come out with the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 (ME180A), which is a Wi-Fi capable tablet with a larger 8-inch screen we found to be very capable indeed. Does it fulfill your needs for something just a little bit bigger? Check out our review of the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 below for all the details.

ASUS Malaysia recently announced their new refreshed ASUS Fonepad 7 variant for their range of 7-inch tablets with 3G connectivity and phone capabilities. Bearing the model number FE170CG, this Fonepad 7 version offers a number of new features and tech specs over the previous version. This includes a narrower look than before, utilizing slimmer bezels for an overall width of just 11cm so you can hold this new Fonepad 7 in a one-handed grip more comfortably. Featuring the new ASUS ZenUI interface that comes with various other software features the refresh also offers tech specs which include the following:

• 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 processor
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB / 8GB storage + 5GB Life Time ASUS Webstorage + up to 64GB microSD
• 7-inch display (1024 x 600 pixel resolution, anti-fingerprint coating)
• 2MP rear camera (720p video recording, f/2.8 aperture lens) + 0.3MP front camera (f/2.8 aperture lens)
• Supports 3G, HSPA+, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, Miracast, GPS,
• features ASUS SonicMaster audio technology, built-in noise-cancelling digital microphone
• 192 x 110 x 10.7mm | 290g
• Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (upgradeable to Android 4.4 KitKat)