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Asus Fonepad comes to SA

By Loyiso Lindani, Editorial Assistant
Johannesburg, 30 May 2013

The Asus Fonepad was unveiled to the South African market at an event in Johannesburg yesterday.

"The Fonepad is a seven-inch Android tablet running on an Intel Atom processor, which enhances the performance of the device. It offers up to nine hours' battery life and has a microSD card reader, which supports up to 32GB," explained Jeff Kuo, Asus SA country manager, at the launch event, adding that the brand hopes the product will be a hit with both the young and old.

Also at the event was Tarsus product director, Jamie Scott, who spoke of the relationship the distribution company has with Asus and what they expect for the future.

"Tarsus aligns with leader brands in the industry, and over the years, we've looked at companies that offer innovation as a service. We've recognised that the smartphone has put a dent in Notebook sales; however, Asus has shown innovation and tenacity by bringing touch devices running on Windows 8," said Scott. "These devices assist immensely, particularly with the BYOD [bring your own device] trend, as they are affordable and add convenience to everyday life."

Asus also showcased some of its other products at the event, including a Bamboo Notebook, which features a bamboo exterior, and the W1 carbon-fibre notebook, which the company says is 60% lighter than other machines due to its design.

Intel country marketing manager, Ntombezinhle Modiselle, and market development manager, Joy Downing, said the Fonepad will be taken to schools to educate learners as part of a youth education programme.

"Intel will be visiting 70 schools around the country teaching them about how the device can assist with business, entrepreneurship and with reaching their full potential when it comes to their studies," said Modiselle.

"The idea is to teach the children how to create their own tomorrows while driving the product into the schools and enabling them to use the tablet to assist with their learning," added Downing.

According to Modiselle and Downing, the school programme will run for the next year.

The Fonepad is available at retail stores at a recommended retail price of R3 499.

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