Wrap-up
Better than I expected, not as good as I hoped
After spending time with the Padfone, I believe more than ever that it's the future. Maybe not the Padfone specifically, but at least its concept: your phone as the hub of all your data, files, and apps, and pieces available to you for your particular needs. If you're mobile, just bring the phone. Need to answer a lot of emails? Drop it into the dock and type away. Want to watch a movie? Connect the Padfone Station and enjoy a much larger, more shareable screen. Android 4.0 is much more able to handle this kind of use than any previous version, and the Padfone's internals are largely up to the task as well.
The Padfone nails the idea, but misses on the execution to the point where it feels more like a tech demo than a viable product. There are enough performance issues and app interface problems that I began to avoid using the PadFone as a tablet, and even the phone itself has some underwhelming specs for a supposedly high-end device. I want badly to be able to ditch my laptop, set up a dock at work and a tablet at home, and just carry my phone everywhere knowing I can get done whatever needs doing. The PadFone hints that we're not far from that day, but proves conclusively that it's not here yet.
6.8 Verge Score
Good Stuff
- Fantastic modular design concept
- Great performance in phone mode
- Lots of useful accessories
- Incredible battery life
Bad Stuff
- Tablet performance is lacking
- Unremarkable displays
- Ecosystem quickly gets heavy and cumbersome