Taipei, March 24 (CNA) Taiwan's Asustek Computer Inc. will launch its new hybrid device, the PadFone Infinity, in Taiwan on March 26 as more consumers turn to the mobile device category that combines features of a smartphone and a tablet.

The PadFone Infinity, which was unveiled Feb. 25 at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) tech fair in Spain, will be sold via Taiwan's three major telecom operators, according to Asustek. No pricing was disclosed.

The PadFone Infinity is a 5-inch smartphone that can be integrated into a 10.1-inch tablet, which features the latest quad-core processor from Qualcomm Inc., a 1920 x 1080 full-HD display and super-fast long-term evolution (LTE) connectivity.

The device is expected to sell for 999 euros (US$1,297) in April for a phone with 64-gigabyte storage capacity and a docking station, Asustek said in a press release, with the actual pricing and specifications varying by market.

Asustek began accepting pre-orders in Taiwan on March 21 for another Asustek product launched at the MWC, the 7-inch Fonepad.

The Fonepad, equipped with Intel Corp.'s new Atom Z2420 processor and third-generation (3G) cellular connectivity, will hit store shelves in Taiwan at the end of March with a price tag of NT$8,990 (US$302) for a 16GB model, Asustek said.

Asustek is working with Chunghwa Telecom Co., the largest mobile carrier in Taiwan, to sell the Fonepad. Consumers who sign a special two-year contract with Chunghwa Telecom to pay NT$1,343 per month can obtain a Fonepad at no additional cost.

Apart from that sales channel, the Fonepad will be available at several local 3C retail chains, such as Tsann Kuen Enterprise Co., E-Life Mall Corp., Sunfar Computer Co, as well as on the Yahoo and PChome online shopping sites, according to Asustek.

(By Jeffrey Wu)
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