Asus P527 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Asus P527

The Asus P527 is a mobile device that was announced in September 2007 and released in October 2008. This device, now discontinued, was known for its inclusion of versatile features that made it a substantial offering in the Windows Mobile segment. The P527 was targeted at users who desired a smartphone capable of handling business applications while offering essential multimedia functions. Let's delve into the specific details that defined the Asus P527.

Network Capabilities

The Asus P527 operated on GSM technology, supporting 2G bands including GSM 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 frequencies. The device featured GPRS Class 10 and EDGE, enabling basic internet connectivity and mobile data usage for the time. These network capabilities were adequate for the mobile internet services and communication needs of that period.

Design and Build

In terms of design, the Asus P527 featured dimensions of 113 x 58 x 15.4 mm and weighed 125 grams. This made it a compact and lightweight device for its class. The phone was designed to accommodate a Mini-SIM and came in a silver color variant, providing a professional look. Its build quality was robust enough for everyday use, appealing to business professionals who required both form and function.

Display Characteristics

The device came equipped with a 2.6-inch TFT resistive touchscreen displaying 65K colors. With a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and a ~31.9% screen-to-body ratio, the screen delivered basic visual clarity suited for text and simplified graphics, typical of the smartphones developed during that era.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the Asus P527 featured a TI OMAP 850 chipset and was powered by a 200 MHz ARM926EJ-S CPU. Although modest by contemporary standards, this hardware setup was suitable for running Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional OS efficiently, along with basic applications. The internal memory comprised 128MB of storage and 64MB of RAM, with expansion possible via a dedicated microSD slot, providing users with extended storage options.

Camera Features

For imaging, the Asus P527 was equipped with a single 2 MP camera capable of autofocus and video recording. Although there was no front-facing camera, the main camera was intended for basic photography and video recording, capturing moments with variable quality depending on lighting conditions.

Audio and Multimedia

Audio capabilities on the P527 included polyphonic, MIDI, MP3, WMA, and WAV ringtones, however, it lacked a loudspeaker and 3.5mm audio jack. Users could experience audio via compatible wired headsets or Bluetooth devices, and the included FM radio provided an additional audio entertainment option.

Connectivity Options

The Asus P527 supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless internet connections, which was quite progressive for its time. For local data transfers, it featured Bluetooth 2.0 and an infrared port. GPS capabilities were included with the SiRF Star III chipset to aid in navigation tasks. Additionally, the device featured a USB 1.1 port for wired connectivity and data sharing with computers and other devices.

Browser and Applications

The device featured a WAP 1.2.1/2.0 browser, suitable for accessing simplified mobile web pages and essential internet services. This feature was tailored to ensure users had the ability to browse the web for information and remain connected while on the move.

Battery Specifications

Powering the P527 was a removable Li-Ion battery, a practical choice for users who required the ability to replace the battery easily, extending the device's operational life through swappable units under typical and heavy usage conditions.

Market Position and Alternatives

Priced at approximately 300 EUR upon release, the Asus P527 was positioned as a mid-range device with business-oriented features. It catered to professionals seeking PDA-like functionality integrated within a mobile phone design. While it eventually became obsolete with the advent of more advanced smartphones, it represented a significant step in mobile technology for those who valued Windows Mobile operating system capabilities in a compact format.

In conclusion, the Asus P527 embodied a fusion of essential mobile features and the productivity-aimed offerings of its time. While not applicable to today's standards, it was a quintessential device for the mobile professional requiring connectivity, basic multimedia functions, and PDA capabilities, cementing its role as a notable piece of technology during its release period.