Price and specifications of Asus Memo Pad ME172V advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview

The Asus Memo Pad ME172V is a budget-friendly tablet introduced in January 2013. Although it's been discontinued, the Memo Pad was marketed as an affordable entry-level tablet, providing basic functionality with modest specifications suitable for casual users. In this article, we will delve into the detailed specifications and features of the Asus Memo Pad ME172V.

Design and Build

The Asus Memo Pad ME172V sports dimensions of 196.2 x 119.2 x 11.2 mm, making it relatively compact and easy to hold. Weighing in at 370 grams, it felt solid but not overly heavy. It was available in three colors: Sugar White, Titanium Gray, and Cherry Pink, catering to a variety of aesthetic preferences. The absence of a SIM slot underscores its design as a Wi-Fi-only tablet.

Display

The tablet features a 7.0-inch LED-backlit LCD screen with a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels, which translates to a pixel density of about 170 pixels per inch. While the display's resolution and PPI are not particularly high, they were adequate for basic multimedia consumption and general tablet tasks. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 59.0%, which was standard for tablets of this category and era.

Hardware

Under the hood, the Asus Memo Pad ME172V is powered by a VIA WM8950 chipset, integrating a 1.0 GHz single-core CPU and a Mali-400 GPU. This hardware configuration is accompanied by 1GB of RAM and provides sufficient performance for simple tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and streaming videos. Storage options included 8GB and 16GB variants, and there is also a dedicated microSDHC slot for expandable storage.

Camera

The Memo Pad ME172V features a modest 1 MP rear camera capable of recording 720p video. However, it lacks a front-facing selfie camera, which might be disappointing for users wishing to engage in video calls. The rear camera's performance was typical for devices at its price point, sufficient for capturing basic photos in well-lit environments.

Battery Life

One of the strengths of the Asus Memo Pad ME172V is its battery life. It is equipped with a non-removable Li-Po 4270 mAh battery capable of providing up to 7 hours of multimedia use. This endurance made it suitable for extended use without frequent recharging, appealing to users who needed a reliable device for travel or long commutes.

Software

The tablet runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which was a popular operating system during its release. The OS provided a user-friendly interface, access to the Google Play Store, and compatibility with a wide range of apps. However, given the constraints of the hardware, the performance of more demanding apps and modern updates would likely be limited.

Connectivity

Connectivity options on the Memo Pad ME172V are somewhat limited. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n but lacks cellular connectivity, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, and a radio. A microUSB 2.0 port allows for charging and data transfer. Given its target market and price point, these limitations are understandable, though they do restrict some functionalities that modern users might expect.

Audio and Sensors

For audio, the tablet includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, both of which offer basic audio output. An accelerometer sensor is included for basic motion-based app capabilities, though it lacks more advanced sensors found in higher-end devices.

Conclusion

The Asus Memo Pad ME172V serves as a reminder of the earlier days of budget tablets. Its design and features reflect a time when affordable entry-level devices focused on providing essential functionality over advanced capabilities. While its performance and features may not meet today's standards, it offered a low-cost introduction to tablet computing for many users when it was released. Those seeking a simple device for browsing and basic multimedia tasks would have found it adequate for their needs.

Though now discontinued, the Memo Pad ME172V remains a part of Asus's history of producing accessible technology for the masses, highlighting the evolution and rapid advancements in mobile computing over the past decade.