ASUS AiGuru SV1T Skype Videophone

It wasn't that long ago (December 2008, actually) that ASUS released its
first generation standalone Skype-certified videophone, the ASUS AiGuru
SV1, and the market didn't seem to care all that much. For some reason,
the whole idea of the videophone hasn't seemed to gain mass-market
acceptance and they continue to remain a rather small niche within the
technology world. Sure, you see them in movies and in the boardroom, but
they aren't exactly sitting next to the toaster and coffee maker now,
are they? ASUS is hoping to garner wider market attention with its
updated version of the SV1; the new touchscreen enabled AiGuru SV1T.
The original AiGuru is basically a standalone Skype-certified videophone
meant for those users that don't want to bother with the whole computer
thing. It gives users the ability to make and receive calls using a more
turnkey approach to the activity. Just like the original model released
last year, the new SV1T has a built-in webcam, speaker, and microphone
along with integrated Wi-Fi capabilities. Where it does its older
brother one better is in its display. ASUS has added a new touchscreen
interface to the already impressive 7-in 800×480 LCD display.
As for simplicity, the ASUS Videophone Touch AiGuru SV1T definitely
looks easy to use. The interface continues to be based on large graphics
and with the addition of the new touchscreen users don't even have to
use the somewhat clumsy D-pad to navigate through them anymore. The
AiGuru SV1T also allows users to make calls to fixed and mobile lines
(with toll charges, of course) and if they happen to have an online
Skype number they can receive calls on the unit, too.
The ASUS Videophone Touch AiGuru SV1T sports a rechargeable battery
along with an included AC adapter. The units are available for sale now
and will probably have a price tag similar to that of its predecessor at
around $300. Given the continuing decline of netbook pricing this is
going to continue to be a tough sell for ASUS. Head over to
www.skype.com for more info.