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Posted 2 May 2013

ASUS Fonepad 16GB - £169 Free next day delivery @ Carphone Warehouse

£169
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carebuddy
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Direct link and reviews on Post #1

An alternative to Amazon. This might be better for some people because:

* Free next day delivery
* You can test the Fonepad on display in some shops
* You can test the unit you buy before going home
* You can just drop by any Carphone Warehouse to return/replace faulty units
* 99 pence cheaper

Specs:
* 7 inch IPS display (1280x800 resolution)
* 16GB internal storage with 1GB RAM
* 1.2Ghz Intel Atom chip with hyper threading technology
* 196.6mm x120.1mm x10.4mm 340g
* Wifi, Bluetooth, GPS & Glonass,G-Sensor, E-compass, Proximity, Ambient Light Sensor
* 3g with voice call function, SMS, MMS
* Front camera for video calls
* Sim card and micro sd slot for expansion
* Android Jellybean

This is considered a tablet with voice call function but will be treated as a smartphone when you use SIMs like Giffgaff for data. YES we know it might be too big to use as a phone for some people. If you don't have anything useful to say, please go troll somewhere else.

If you don't want to put it against your head you can:
* Use a bluetooth headset
* Use wired earphones with mic
* Use loudspeakers
* Don't use the voice call function (the device will not explode if you don't use it for calls)
* Buy other android devices (shocking but yes, you can do that)
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  1. carebuddy's avatar
    Author
    Click here for direct link

    For those who want to buy it in store, please check the website to see if your local store has stock. Click 'view details' to see the following option (thanks to allan1954):
    17893718-gSrLg

    The European version of the Fonepad does not have a rear camera but you can use the front camera to take HD videos and photos.
    Click here to watch a video recorded using the Fonepad's front camera. Make sure you watch it in HD mode for maximum quality.

    Video review 1
    Video review 2
    Video review 3
    Video comparison with Nexus 7


    Limited Root Acess now available for the Fonepad - source - Try at your own risk.
    * Download this file
    * Follow instructions here
    * No RAM access and won't let you move apps to micro SD card

    17893718-gSrLg


    Laptop Magazine Review

    They said:
    * Fonepad is slightly shorter (7.7 inches vs 7.8 inches) and lighter (11.2 ounces vs 12 ounces) than Nexus 7
    * Screen more colourful and detailed than Nexus 7
    * Has more features than Nexus 7 (floating apps, scren calibration app, audio wizard, etc)
    * Quadrant benchmark scores: Fonepad - 6,151 / Nexus 7 - 3,357 (Fonepad wins by 2794 points)
    * An3DBench graphics test scores: Fonepad - 7,579 / Nexus 7 - 7,782 (Nexus 7 wins by 203 points)
    * Battery test: Fonepad - 11 hours / Nexus 7 - 7.5 hours

    Looks like they prefer the Fonepad over the Nexus 7. They tested the Asia Pacific version with the camera. Seems like the only advantages of the Nexus 7 are Tegra apps and Google updates, in other aspects like screen, battery, price, sd card slot, voice calls, regular app performance, the Fonepad is much better.


    Stuff.tv review - 5/5 stars

    * The back is really metal, not just plastic painted with metallic finish
    * The review says the Fonepad has better screen quality than the Nexus 7, you can even calibrate the screen if you like
    * Chrome produces blurry text and images - using other browsers produces sharp text and images, probably software issue
    * ASUS skin offers more features like floating apps, more drop down menu options, etc. than stock Android
    * It may not have the latest version of Android but I prefer being a version behind (see below)
    * Performance - the benchmarks show low scores as they are not optimised for the Intel 64bit (not 32bit or ARM) architecture but on actual usage, the Fonepad did not show any problems playing heavy 3d graphic games such as Real Racing 3 with video playing and browser open on top
    * Battery life - 3 hour video + 1.5 hours of browsing via 3g + 1 hour texts and other things = 40% left in battery. Really good results, I expect this to get better after several battery cycles
    * Using it as a phone without a earphones with mic or bluetooth will get you stares in public but this will change as tablet phones gets more popular. Also, it is better than carrying a tablet and a phone if you use both of them when you travel. With a great battery life, it's easier to charge one device rather than 2 as it will have enough juice to power both functions.
    * For £179, people who did not want a tablet might be persuaded to get this for the price alone as a decent branded smartphone with the same features will cost more than double. This will be a hit for parents with kids who wants an ipad and an iphone. It will probably be the most popular tablet/phone for students this year.


    PC Pro UK Review

    * No gorilla glass and grease marks on screen - a good screen protector will help specially something like this. Iv'e seen many Gorilla glass phones shatter and get scratches, I guess it depends on the people who use it.
    * Screen quality - note that the Nexus 7 (I have one) has colour washout problems due to Nvidia's prism technology and I think Fonepad will not have this since it's using an Intel CPU. Colours can be tweaked using apps like Screen adjuster and custom ROMs can even include the Sony Bravia engine to make the picture quality even better. Being a cheap device, I am expecting lots of developer support for this.
    * Android updates - I got a Nexus 7 because I wanted the latest version of Android but it's not what I thought it would be. Many apps stopped working or started to get issues when I got the latest version since they were written for the earlier version of Android. One notable issue was the default calendar app having bugs and I felt like I was a guinea pig for the latest Android version. In my opinion, being a version behind is better than getting the latest updates. Even better, use a custom ROM with less bloat and lots of tweaks.
    * Slippery back and scratches - I always use a gel/rubber case for my tablets to improve grip and provide protection without the extra bulk of using folder type cases. Since it's the same size as a Nexus 7, I know what to expect in size and portability.

    Please like this post so it will stay on the top comments on the first page. Thanks (edited)
  2. deleted30742's avatar
    [image missing]

  3. BubaMan's avatar
    If I didn't have a Nexus 4, I might have considered this but another bit of tech would be grounds for divorce
    (Nexus 4, HTC Desire (for work), 7" Android tablet with HDMI (as a bedroom media player), iPad 3, Latitude 10, 3 laptops, 2 desktops (1 media server, 1 gaming), 2 PS3's (1 online, 1 CFW), Wii, PSP, Vita, DS, 3DS)
  4. aerotec's avatar
    Just wish it had a rear camera and I would use this as my main device. I like to whatsapp pics to family and upload to Facebook. So annoying they didn't keep the camera like the Asia version. Why oh why did they remove it??
  5. urinthematrix's avatar
    any TCB/Quidco on this from CPW?
  6. BubaMan's avatar
    ivanli

    http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/mobile-phones/ASUS_MEMO_PAD_ME172VAsus MeMo Pad for £129

    No 3G or phone
  7. deleted99850's avatar
    17895522-y3jLV
  8. AzNDeals's avatar
    Stick an Ovivo SIM in this. How this would actually be the most useful Tablet out there. If you need Voice Calling That Is. But this could be used as an Emergency Backup Phone if you need it or are running low on Minutes.
  9. adchesney's avatar
    If it had a rear facing camera - I would buy :-(
  10. deleted642250's avatar
    BubaMan

    If I didn't have a Nexus 4, I might have considered this but another bit … If I didn't have a Nexus 4, I might have considered this but another bit of tech would be grounds for divorce :p(Nexus 4, HTC Desire (for work), 7" Android tablet with HDMI (as a bedroom media player), iPad 3, Latitude 10, 3 laptops, 2 desktops (1 media server, 1 gaming), 2 PS3's (1 online, 1 CFW), Wii, PSP, Vita, DS, 3DS)



    And your address is???
  11. BubaMan's avatar
    golfho

    And your address is???

    1835 73rd Ave NE, Medina, WA 98039
  12. midnighter2's avatar
    I have had a seven inch tab with phone and it wasnt a problem, bluetooth or headphones to make calls with, so yes, you can avoid looking like dom joly, and it was great. Battery life on this looks good as well as the specs. Worth a punt for the price.
  13. jez794's avatar
    bought it instore yes, had 2 instock but none on display, sales rep hadn't heard about it so was surprised when he checked stock and price
  14. _g_'s avatar
    Would like a Padfone - or ideally a S4 which fits in to a tablet.
    Or double-ideally, a 3' screen phone with a pull-out 5' screen and a 10' (and more) dock.

    Back to 2013, where I'm broke, still in a contract and using a SanFrancisco (1st gen) with a multiple-cracled screen, really tempted by this. Also bonus of unlimitedish internet on ones that offer that on phones only.
    If I don't get on with it as a phone, can always keep it as a tablet - certainly like the idea of it for in car nav, music and the like.
  15. allan1954's avatar
    now shown on carphone warehouse website and checker to see if stores your area with stock.
  16. carebuddy's avatar
    Author
    muttyhc

    so what is better, nexus 7 or asus fonepad? Exclude the fact one is a … so what is better, nexus 7 or asus fonepad? Exclude the fact one is a phone. Does each offer good performance for gaming? Cheers.



    For gaming, the Nexus 7 is better as it uses a Tegra 3 chip.

    Based on reviews, the advantages of the Fonepad over the Nexus 7 are:
    * Cheaper than 3g version of Nexus 7
    * Expandable memory
    * Better screen (can be calibrated)
    * Better battery life
    * More features than stock Android
    * Metal back vs plastic in Nexus 7
    * A bit shorter and lighter than Nexus 7
    * Makes calls, SMS/MMS
    * Treated as a smartphone for 3g data vs tablet only for Nexus 7

    I have a Nexus 7 (and a Galaxy Tab 2, Archos 80 Titanium, Galaxy Note) and still waiting for a good reason to tell my partner why I should get the Fonepad and those reasons sadly won't work
    (edited)
  17. DenniZ's avatar
    _g_

    Anyone else having trouble tethering?Seems I'm not the only one.Oh and I … Anyone else having trouble tethering?Seems I'm not the only one.Oh and I hope Sansung would make do a 10" tablet screen/battery to go with the S4 - I like buying the big names for ease of after-market accessories and knowledge so am cautious about the padfone (yes, I just got the fonepad, but that's under a quarter the price!)



    I can't tehther using USB, wifi tether works fine though
  18. carebuddy's avatar
    Author
    NEW CHOICES ANNOUNCED

    ASUS FonePad Note

    18181998-qSYHE

    SPECS
    * 6 inch Full HD 1080p Super IPS LCD+ screen
    * Intel 1.6GHz Z2560 Clover Trail+ CPU with 2GB RAM
    * 8 megapixel rear camera + 1.2 megapixel front camera
    * Front facing stereo speakers like the HTC One
    * Stylus with button (looks like WACOM used in Galaxy Note)

    COMMENTS
    * Should be cheaper than Note 3 because of processor, screen (non AMOLED), and no 4g LTE
    * Intel chip will have problems with root/bootloader so little to no developer support
    * The bezels and body could be thinner (next version maybe?)
    * Non-removable battery - internal battery capacity still unspecified
    * On screen buttons (+ notification bar) make usable screen smaller (the bar doesn't go away on most apps)


    Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 - officially announced

    18181998-h39IB

    SPECS
    * 8 inches WXGA TFT 1280 x 800 (189 PPI) display
    * 1.5 GHz dual-core processor + 1.5GB of RAM
    * 5 megapixel rear-facing + 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera
    * 4,450 mAh battery (non removable)
    * Dimensions 209.3 x 122.2 x 6.95 mm

    COMMENTS
    * Available early June (this week or next week)
    * Price is expected to be low because of specs
    * 3g and LTE version can make phone calls/SMS/MMS
    * Root/bootloader support may be available if it uses non-Intel chip
    * Thin bezel for an 8 inch tablet, width and thickness lower than Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
    * Christmas is getting more and more exciting and complicated (edited)
  19. carebuddy's avatar
    Author
    buglawton

    Can you use this on the new Three 321 SIM only tariff, or would it get … Can you use this on the new Three 321 SIM only tariff, or would it get blocked for being a tablet?



    It is classified as a smartphone as it makes calls.
  20. carebuddy's avatar
    Author
    reserved 2
  21. Stealth_Fox's avatar
    £1 under RRP?
  22. ssjinzo's avatar
    Stealth_Fox

    £1 under RRP?



    actually 99 pence cheaper
  23. carebuddy's avatar
    Author
    Stealth_Fox

    £1 under RRP?



    With free next day delivery and the option to buy it in store. You can test the device in the shop before buying it and test the unit they give you before going home.
  24. Simplyalif's avatar
    if this had hdmi out, i would be all over this.
  25. deleted426677's avatar
    ivanli

    http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/mobile-phones/ASUS_MEMO_PAD_ME172VAsus MeMo Pad for £129




    And ?????

    The Asus Fonepad is like a 7 inch phone not just a tablet....

    For the price its a bargain.....

    The Memo is just a tablet without 3G or phone built in.....
  26. SlpyD's avatar
    Heat for the details
  27. TheShadowWalker's avatar
    aerotec

    Just wish it had a rear camera and I would use this as my main device. I … Just wish it had a rear camera and I would use this as my main device. I like to whatsapp pics to family and upload to Facebook. So annoying they didn't keep the camera like the Asia version. Why oh why did they remove it??



    Was just about to comment on the same thing. Otherwise, this would have been a perfect upgrade to my dad's Galaxy tab GT-P1000. I don't understand how they can simply remove the rear camera for us brits, who usually pay more for their RRP. I understand how some manufacturers varies the processors, but to completely remove a feature where we're paying more for the product in £s is beyond me.
  28. NavDude's avatar
    If you want something with a rear camera as well check out this.

    hotukdeals.com/dea…156
  29. TheShadowWalker's avatar
    OP, do you happen to know the model numbers between the UK and Asia one? I'd love to get my hands on the Asia version. Thanks.
  30. carebuddy's avatar
    Author
    urinthematrix

    any TCB/Quidco on this from CPW?



    Not sure but if someone can verify I will update the post.


    Simplyalif

    if this had hdmi out, i would be all over this.



    Me too, unfortunately most major manufacturers removed the HDMI out on their tablets. You might like the Archos 80 Titanium Tablet (£99 from Carphone Warehouse) with the HDMI out but it doesn't make calls and it's 8 inches.


    ivanli

    http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/mobile-phones/ASUS_MEMO_PAD_ME172VAsus MeMo Pad for £129



    The Memo pad is wifi only, no voice call/3g, slower CPU, smaller battery, and has lower resolution screen (not IPS).


    aerotec

    Just wish it had a rear camera and I would use this as my main device. I … Just wish it had a rear camera and I would use this as my main device. I like to whatsapp pics to family and upload to Facebook. So annoying they didn't keep the camera like the Asia version. Why oh why did they remove it??



    Yeah, that's a major bummer. I would also prefer a rear camera albeit not so great in quality for emergency pics/videos over 8gb extra storage.
  31. TheShadowWalker's avatar
    paulgee31

    If you want something with a rear camera as well check out … If you want something with a rear camera as well check out this.http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-ideatab-a3000-h-quad-core-16gb-3g-7-inch-android-4-2-tablet-152-95-very-co-1542156#post17892932



    It doesn't look like I can use that as a phone too (voice calling) and it's quadcore not Intel Atom. Plus it isn't as sexy as this Asus Thanks for the effort though.
    (edited)
  32. stuart9787's avatar
    paulgee31

    If you want something with a rear camera as well check out … If you want something with a rear camera as well check out this.http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-ideatab-a3000-h-quad-core-16gb-3g-7-inch-android-4-2-tablet-152-95-very-co-1542156#post17892932



    Must admit I was tempted with this one over the ASUS - cheaper and with Quad Core and a rear camera. Not many reviews at the moment mind you and has a lower screen resolution but still pretty decent for a 7 inch.
  33. deleted756153's avatar
    99p more expensive new and delivered on Ebay if anyone prefers that instead:

    ebay.co.uk/itm…41c
  34. NavDude's avatar
    stuart9787

    Must admit I was tempted with this one over the ASUS - cheaper and with … Must admit I was tempted with this one over the ASUS - cheaper and with Quad Core and a rear camera. Not many reviews at the moment mind you and has a lower screen resolution but still pretty decent for a 7 inch.



    I've got one coming Tuesday, so I'll try and provide a short review.
  35. jamiebeags's avatar
    This is very tempting! Never seen one of these before. Will have to have a look in store somewhere to get a feel for it before purchasing.
  36. SnappersMocaps's avatar
    Getting one for my friend, i can't afford it for myself atm and i am still very happy with my 3G G tab 2 7.0 running 4.22.
  37. ro888's avatar
    adchesney

    If it had a rear facing camera - I would buy :-(



    I think it does come with a 3.2MP rear camera, isn't it?
  38. alasdair67's avatar
    No Flash support, HDMI out, or rear camera. Such a shame. Could've been the only device I needed. Oh well...
  39. Spence1115's avatar
    Can't really criticise lack of Flash support as that's the same for all new Android devices officially now that Adobe have ended development on mobile flash.
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