Asus P735 Unveiling Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to the Asus P735

The Asus P735 is a mobile device released by Asus in January 2007. It quickly garnered attention for its robust set of features, combining the utility of a PDA with mobile phone capabilities, all running on the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC operating system. Despite being discontinued, the P735 remains a notable device in the historical evolution of smartphones, offering an interesting glimpse into mobile technology from that era.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 109 x 59 x 19 mm and a weight of 143 g, the Asus P735 was designed to be compact yet slightly bulky by modern standards. Its design was typical of PDAs of the time, prioritizing functionality over slimness. The device featured a Mini-SIM slot and a resistive TFT touchscreen that supported 65K colors, providing a basic yet functional display for users. The screen size was 2.8 inches, offering a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels with a density of approximately 143 ppi. This screen-to-body ratio of ~37.8% was adequate, if somewhat underwhelming for extensive multimedia viewing, reminding us of a time when screens were more of a novelty than a primary feature.

Display Technology

The Asus P735's display technology, using a resistive touchscreen, required a stylus for precise input, although it could also be used with a finger. This type of screen was typical of the era, preceding the capacitive screens which are more responsive to touch. Although the display supported 65K colors, which was standard, today's screens offer millions of colors, a testimony to how far technology has advanced since the Asus P735's time.

Operating System and Processor

The device was powered by Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 PocketPC, an operating system that was popular among professional and business users for its integration with Microsoft Office and Outlook. This OS provided a good blend of PDA and smartphone features, offering tasks like email, calendar, and contacts, suitable for on-the-go professionals. The Asus P735 was equipped with an Intel XScale 520 MHz processor. While this might seem inadequate against current standards, it was competent enough for managing basic applications and the multitasking requirements of its time.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory, the Asus P735 came with 256MB of internal storage and 64MB of RAM. Although modest, these specifications were satisfactory for the typical applications and operations required by users at that time. Additionally, the device included a miniSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage—a valuable option that provided some versatility to store more emails, documents, or multimedia content.

Camera Capabilities

The P735 featured a 2 MP main camera with autofocus and an LED flash, which was fairly standard for the time. It enabled users to capture basic photos and videos, although the quality was not exceptional by modern standards. Additionally, there was a VGA camera on the front for videocalls, highlighting the device's capability for basic video conferencing, although the lack of a true front-facing camera highlights the early stage of smartphone technology during its era.

Wireless and Connectivity

The Asus P735 supported GSM and UMTS technologies, making it one of the early adopters of 3G, with speeds of up to 384 kbps. For connectivity, it was equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, allowing users to access the internet wirelessly, and Bluetooth 2.0 for personal area networking and wireless audio headsets. However, the device did not include GPS or radio features, typical of mobile technology's limitations at the time.

Sound and Multimedia

Sound options on the P735 were basic, including vibration alerts and downloadable polyphonic, MIDI, or MP3 ringtones. Interestingly, the device lacked a 3.5mm audio jack, requiring users to listen to music or take calls through compatible Bluetooth headsets or proprietary connectors.

Battery Life

The Asus P735 housed a removable 1300 mAh Li-Ion battery, which offered a reasonable battery life for its time, capable of supporting a full day of moderate use. The ability to remove and replace the battery was a helpful feature, giving users the option to carry spares for times when charging wasn't possible, ensuring continued use during travel and extended stays away from power sources.

Market Reception and Historical Significance

At the time of its release, the Asus P735 was priced around 370 EUR, positioning it as a mid- to high-range device ideal for business professionals and tech enthusiasts. While it might not compete with the capabilities of today's smartphones, its blend of PDA functionality and mobile connectivity made it a significant step in the journey towards the multi-functional smartphones we use today.

Conclusion

The Asus P735 exemplifies an era of pioneering efforts in mobile communications, standing out as a device that attempted to bring together personal digital assistance with mobile connectivity. In the context of its time, it provided users with a robust and feature-rich experience, laying the groundwork for future innovations in mobile technology. Though discontinued, its legacy as a prototype for integrating business functionality within mobile phones continues to inform the ongoing evolution of smartphones.