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.