A 4G LTE version of the ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500KL) is likely coming

October 22, 2016 Categories: News, Z500KL, ZenPad 3S 10 by 1 Comment

If we have already said this, forgive us because we’re going to say it again. Asus has a quiet hero in the ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M). Quiet in the sense that Asus did little in most markets to promote or market this tablet. The Zenvolution events that rolled out across the globe were understandably geared towards the Zenfone 3 launch. We just watched the Italy Zenvolution event and we couldn’t find any ZenPad 3S 10 slides during the presentation. However they did list the prices at the end of the presentation.

So it has been a curious path. The price point of USD 299 is quite astonishing considering the quality high resolution display, RAM, storage, finger print sensor and Z Stylus compatibility. With these specs at this price point, early indications are that this will be a hit success for Asus provided they can maintain inventory.

But we are here to talk about a 4G LTE version of the ZenPad 3S 10. This would go by the model name of Z500KL and thus would indicate it would be running with a Snapdragon processor which is different that the current Z500M with a MediaTek processor.

Is a 4G LTE model better or faster? Without reviewing or testing the two different models, it would be generally accepted that the Snapdragon processor would be able to run more efficiently than the MediaTek processor. This is based on the fact that Snapdragon are very much the top ARM processor company in the world.

Price will obviously be increased for a 4G LTE model (Z500KL) but by how much we can’t say yet. With Verizon having the ZenPad Z10 exclusive, it’s highly unlikely that the US market will see the Z500KL. In most cases, Asus releases 3G and 4G LTE tablets in the Asian and Europe markets. We also can’t specify a release date although getting products out before the shopping season is pretty much a priority. In the case of the Z500KL it could very likely be coming some time in November. Up until now we haven’t heard anything but this is not a surprise based on the low key approach that Asus is taking with their tablet line-up now.

Stay tuned for updates!

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New hands-on video with the ZenPad 3 8.0 (Z581KL) tablet

October 15, 2016 Categories: Hands On, Video, Z581KL, ZenPad 3 8.0 by 0 Comments

Asus has put out a new hands-on video featuring the ZenPad 3 8.0 (Z581KL) tablet. This is more of a realistic, practical look at the tablet. Nothing too deep in terms of specs, but most of the selling points are included.

The ZenPad 3 8.0 is interesting. It’s not quite as premium as the ZenPad 3S 10, but it does share the top internal hardware for the most part. Some things the ZenPad 3 8.0 does better like the front facing dual stereo speakers and 4G LTE with phone calling ability. However there is not a fingerprint scanner/unlock and the exterior of the Z581KL is not as premium a build as the ZenPad 3S 10. Price targets are the likely reason for slightly dialed back premium looks of the ZenPad 3 8.0 tablet. It’s still looking solid though!

Here is a screenshot of the phone calling app:

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Yes, you can make phone calls with the ZenPad 3 8.0 (Z581KL)

October 15, 2016 Categories: News, Z581KL, ZenPad 3 8.0 by 3 Comments

Asus has been famous for creating interesting and unique devices. In years past, you could buy a Fonepad which as you might expect, is a tablet that can make phone calls. Those devices were largely 7-inches, but Asus has dabbled with an 8-inch tablet phone (Fonepad 8) in the past. So to see a phone capable 8-inch ZenPad is not that much of stretch for Asus.

Fast forward to 2016 and Asus is giving you a bit of added use for the new ZenPad 3 8.0 (Z581KL). It makes phone calls! This isn’t exactly a much talked about feature in this new tablet, but it’s something that can provide value. Would you want to hold an 8-inch tablet to your head in public? This is a personal choice! However you can use a headset and you can use the speaker phone rather than tablet-to-ear.

The “KL” indicated Snapdragon processor and 4G LTE enabled.We do not know the future of this tablet and whether it’s coming to the US market or not. It’s entirely possible that there will be a non 4G LTE version, but that’s just pure speculation on our part. You can buy the ZenPad 3 8.0 (Z581KL) in various countries already.

 

Verizon gets exclusive ZenPad Z10 (ZT500KL) LTE tablet – Sells for $229 to $329 USD

October 6, 2016 Categories: News, US, ZenPad Z10, ZT500KL by 1 Comment

As we had a hunch a number of months ago, indeed the ZenPad Z10 is here and it’s a Verizon exlusive. The biggest difference between this model and the ZenPad 3S 10 would be in the processor. This Verizon exclusive comes with a LTE enabled processor which is a Snapdragon 650 Hexa-Core @ 1.8GHz with an Adreno 510 GPU. The Z10 comes with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. More details to come!

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[source: Verizon]

Asus ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M) is just $299 – Pre Order Now in US and Canada

October 6, 2016 Categories: News, Pre Order, Shopping and Deals, Z500M, ZenPad 3S 10 by 19 Comments

Asus never ceases to amaze when it comes to product pricing. It’s one thing that they have been committed to and they have delivered once again. We now see the opportunity to pre order the ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M) in the US market at a price of $299 USD. Considering that this tablet is stacked with premium features, this is a great deal and can be considered the best Android tablet value right now.

IN STOCK – Now available from Amazon and it will in fact ship to both US and Canada. Both color models are available.

Models: Z500M-C1-GR (Grey) and Z500M-C1-SL (Silver)

Shop Now –> Pre Order Now – ZenPad 3S 10 – Ships to US or Canada from Amazon

A quick look at the specs, the Z500M ships with 4GB of RAM, 64GB Storage, has a 1536 x 2048 resolution display, is powered by a MediaTek 8176 processor, is Z Stylus compatible, and comes with a finger print scanner.

The Z Stylus is the Asus digitizer stylus pen. We found the Z Stylus to be an excellent value and you can read our full review here. The Asus pen software allows for you to interact with the tablet more as a pen and paper thanks to the elimination of accidental screen touches. The Z Stylus sells for $29.99 USD.

Here is a high resolution photo gallery of the Grey color which is currently available for pre order:

 

Here is a gallery with high resolution images of the Silver color:

Breaking News – Buy a ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M) Now – Ships Internationally!

September 21, 2016 Categories: News, Shopping and Deals, Z500M, ZenPad 3S 10 by 0 Comments

We have been checking and checking again to see if the new premium ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M) is available to buy. This just came available and we see 2 Items listed for sale right now. The seller ships to most places in the world.

With my experience buying items from eBay and sellers in Taiwan, getting faster shipping is well worth the extra money. You are buying now because you want it first, so waiting around for it to arrive via slow shipping can be frustrating. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s worth the extra just to get it much faster.

Shopping Link:

We have a specs page and some nice full high resolution images of the Z500M available on our site. The ZenPad 3S 10 is a 9.7-inch premium Android tablet which is Z Stylus compatible as well as having a finger print sensor.

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