(Image Source: Asus)


BY BREANA JONES

 

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN
 

It’s a smartphone … it’s a tablet ... it’s a laptop?

Well, according to computer company Asus -- the PadFone is all three. The tech company debuted it at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. CNet Asia got a sneak peak at the hybrid.

“The headset consists of two components, the PadFone—a 4.3 inch smartphone— and the PadFone Station. The docking station is a shell with an on-board battery and a 10-inch display that turns the smartphone into a tablet.”

You can then plug in your Asus Station Dock Keyboard and —viola!— your phone has become a notebook. The phone itself isn’t anything to sneeze at, it’s operating on Android 4.0. A writer from TIME has just one thing to say — WOW.
 

“Although I haven’t seen the Padfone up close, I’m fascinated by the concept. Having one device that acts as a phone, tablet and laptop means you don’t have to worry about transferring files or carrying other computing devices around. Although an Android computer won’t be as capable as a Windows PC or a Mac, it’s fine for leisure and light work.”

But The Inquirer says while the idea is awesome, the price tag probably won’t be.

“The only potential stumbling block could be the pricing, with Asus yet to announce how much the Padfone will retail for, but with two devices and a possible keyboard dock, it might not be cheap.”

You may be asking, well what if I’m on my phone/tablet/computer and get a phone call? ABC has the answer—

“Asus also announced a PadFone Stylus Headset — a digital pen for writing on the tablet that doubles as a Bluetooth headset for making and receiving calls when the phone is docked. Lots of double duty here.”

The PadFone is set for release in April, but it may take longer to make its way to America — Asus doesn’t have a carrier agreement in the U.S. as of now.