Next generation tablets may be named ZenPad 3

July 2, 2016 Categories: Z581KL, ZenPad 3 by 5 Comments

At the most recent Asus investors conference, we learned that the new strategy moving forward would utilize what is called “generational” releases. This means “3” for this years main products including Zenfone 3, ZenBook 3 and Transformer 3. We now believe that the next batch of ZenPad tablets, or at least a few of them will be known as ZenPad 3.

We’ve just seen news of the upcoming ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M). Certain there is a “3” in the product name but it’s not clear if it will be marketed as a ZenPad 3 or not. We do believe that the recent sighting of a Z581KL will be known at the ZenPad 3 8.0 model. Would this mean the end of the ZenPad S 8.0 series or will there be a ZenPad 3S 8.0 model? At this point it is speculation.

We do think that the Zenbook 3 can give some insights. That particular ZenBook model is one of the best, most powerful laptops on the market. None of the other ZenBook models have the ZenBook 3 naming. It’s only the true top hero model. So in the case of ZenPad, having a ZenPad 3 may just be indicative enough to show it’s the flagship model. With what we’ve seen with the ZenPad 3S 10, it does muddy the waters for our naming theory. However it’s not clear if the “3S” is something specific to the feature set of the Z500M.

The reality is that Asus is thinning out the tablet line-up. Their previous naming conventions are going to be changed, and clearly this is happening already. Quite honestly, having something clean like ZenPad 3 8.0 or ZenPad 3 7.0 is ideal and easier to follow for consumers. The ZenPad 3S 10 has confused matters, but lets see how Asus unveils the new series on July 12.

Updated Asus Z Stylus compatibility – Will it work with my ZenPad?

July 1, 2016 Categories: Accessories, Z Stylus by 21 Comments

This updated list of compatible ZenPad tablets may be a disappointment to some of you. The reality is, with the launch of new ZenPad 10 models, there is a fair amount of confusion out there regarding whether the Z Stylus is compatible with some, all, or none of the updated ZenPad 10 tablets.

The Asus Z Stylus IS NOT compatible with any of the new ZenPad 10 tablets. Here is the list of NON compatible ZenPad 10 models:

  • Z300M
  • Z300CNL
  • Z300CNG

So currently the Z Stylus IS compatible with the following ZenPad models:

  • Z300C
  • Z300CL
  • Z300CG
  • Z580CA

Essentially the first generation ZenPad 10 tablets are compatible with the Z Stylus, as well as the hero ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580CA) model. With the recent announcement of the ZenPad 3S 10 (Z300M) we aren’t yet sure if that tablet will have compatibility with the Z Stylus or not. We will update this page as we learn more about these new tablet additions.

We can only surmise that the Z Stylus compatibility was removed from these new ZenPad 10 models in efforts to lower costs and price points.

 

Next generation ZenPad S 8.0 may be coming soon (Z581KL)

July 1, 2016 Categories: Uncategorized, Z581KL, ZenPad 3S 8 by 0 Comments

Thanks to some certification processes, we see the first mention of a Z581KL tablet. With the most recent announcement of the ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M) we still can’t say for certain what model name the Z581KL will be.

It’s clearly though the update to the hero Z580 ZenPad S 8.0 series. How so? It’s the “1” in the Z581KL that is the indicator. The “K” indicates a Snapdragon processor. We have already seen the launch of the ZT581KL at Verizon, so it’s not clear how a Z581KL would compare. We are hoping that an update ZenPad S 8.0 will be more premium than the ZT581KL in terms of build quality. The ZenPad S 8.0 was a beautiful looking and feeling device and was a true flagship. The Z581KL has big shoes to fill in other words.

This is not the first sighting of a p008. The Verizon ZenPad Z8 shares the same product ID and as a result. we can’t imagine the Z581KL being drastically different.

So with the recent ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M) announcement, does this mean there will be a ZenPad 3S 8 (Z581KL)? That would be possible. The “3S” is still a mystery. Currently Asus is going with a “generational” strategy with their devices. The Zenfone is 3, the ZenBook is 3 and the Transformer is 3. Thus, putting a 3 to the ZenPad S series makes a big of sense. What about a “2” for second generation? We think 3 makes is more consistent across the board and we won’t fret over a missing “2” generation. Again, we only speculate.

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First Look: Asus ZenPad 3S 10 (Z500M) Images and Details

June 28, 2016 Categories: Z500M, ZenPad 3S, ZenPad 3S 10 by 0 Comments

Well we were right. Now let’s be clear, this is the “3S” and not “S3”. We aren’t sure at this point the methodology behind the naming scheme but we will eventually figure this out. The bottom line is, there is a 10-inch ZenPad coming with top end specs. Let’s have a look at what we know right now.

Although this may be lost in translation, it appears that Asus will be marketing this as the world’s thinnest tablet, at just 5.32mm thin. The iPad Pro is 6.1mm and the Samsung Galaxy S2 9.7 at 5.6mm.

Asus is also going to market this as the narrowest tablet with this resolution. More details to come on that.

Observations: An image can tell us a few things. First, there is a physical home button. This is very uncommon on Asus tablets. We don’t see front facing speakers, although these particular images are not exactly high detail. Perhaps there is a build aspect of the ZenPad 3S 10 that required a shift to having side mounted speakers. It’s only speculation at this point. Along the top of the ZenPad 3S 10, on the front, it does appear that there is a “break” in the chrome lining which might suggest there is a speaker grill along the front.

Unveiled Specs: These are not exactly official, but are a pretty safe bet. We will start with the most certain specs and then follow up with the less official specs. First, this tablet is 9.7-inches in size. It has a 2K display of 2560 x 1536 most likely. It has 4GB RAM and a 5,900 mAh battery onboard. The processor is said to be a Hexa-core, which most likely is a MediaTek, in which case this is the Z500M model tablet. This tablet may come with a quick charge capabilities.

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Is a 10-inch ZenPad Z10 headed to Verizon next?

June 22, 2016 Categories: Z10, ZT500KL by 0 Comments

We have seen quite clearly in the past few weeks that Asus is still going to be shaking things up in the Android tablet space. Last week the ZenPad Z8 showed up on Verizon at a price which is pretty much unbeatable in terms of value vs. cost comparison. If you look at similar, yet more dated flagship tablets from Apple and Samsung on Verizon, Asus comes well under those price points.

So what about adding a 10-inch option with a Z10 at Verizon? We say yes, that would be amazing. If you can add in the Z Stylus support and possibly the keyboard dock, that’s going to be a solid option for people to consider.

One of the most impressive aspects of the ZenPad 10 that we reviewed, was the Z Stylus capability and the absolutely terrific front facing speakers. When you consider video watching a music, the first generation 10-inch ZenPad was great.

A ZenPad Z10 would most likely carry the higher end resolution in comparison to the Z300 Series. With the 8-inch model just seeing a release date, we’re not sure when or even if Asus and Verizon will unveil something in the 10-inch size. We hope soon, but stay tuned. We would expect Asus wants to get new products in stores prior to summer vacation and traveling.

P027 appears to be ZenPad S 10 or S 9.7 (Z500M)

June 21, 2016 Categories: Z500M by 0 Comments

There is quite a bit of additional findings regarding the P027. We were initially thinking it was not a 10-inch ZenPad, but it does in fact appear to be just that. There were some details that we missed during our initial FCC uncovering.

These specs are not finalized or official, but these do appear in the various documents.

  • MediaTek MT8176V @ 1.7 GHz (possibly clocked up to 2.1 GHz)
  • 4GB RAM
  • 64GB or 128GB storage
  • 8MP rear and 5MP front cameras
  • 5900 mAh battery
  • support for Z Stylus pen
  • 9.7-inch screen
  • 4:3 aspect ratio

For this to be a ZenPad S model, it’s going to need a top end display. The battery of 5900 mAh might provide some insight. It’s a bit battery and a big screen will require a big battery. To be a flagship tablet, it’s going to need a 2048 x 1536 resolution.

So is this the true ZenPad S 10 model? Well, the ZenPad S 8.0 was named Z580, and it’s the “5” that is the key here. It’s also possible that Asus could call this the ZenPad S 9.7, although rounding up to 10 is common.

The next obvious question we have is whether there will in fact be a keyboard dock. That would make a very nice package indeed.

With no ZenPad presence at Computex 2016 we are a bit curious when we might see something official from Asus regarding this new tablet.

Stay tuned for more news!

 

 

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