Imerj dual-screen 2 in 1 Android Smartpad (prototype)

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On the front, it looks like a regular smart phone, perhaps like an iPhone 4. However, when you pick it up, you will be surprised to see how unique and different it actually is. The odd of Imerj smartpad stirs up your curiosity. Then, you realize that you can flip it open. Now it’s no longer just a smart phone. It is more of a slate. It measures at 6 inches with a slight divide in the middle. Is it similar to the Echo? Maybe, but this is entirely different. And the way you use it is also quite unique and wonderful.

The prototype created by Imerj and Frog uses the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system. The bezel gestures as well as the multitasking make it an entirely different device. It feels familiar but that’s only because it was made to offer minimal learning curve. This prototype is just a few months away from production and still, there are no final decisions on the name that it will carry. Right now it is called the 2 in 1 Smartpad. Is it good? Is it innovative? Will it appeal to the curiosities of the tablet, or will it be marketed as a smartphone?

The hardware is similar to the Kyocera Echo. It is dark, glossy and a bit chunky on the sides. However, this smartpad is entirely different. This prototype feels solid. The middle hinge is smooth as it was no doubt made to handle frequent opening and closing. It opens securely and it closes with the help of magnets. The surface is smooth and incredibly well made. The way it transforms is simple and intuitive. Fold it and it looks like a phone. Unfold it and it looks like a 6 inch tablet. When unfolded, the whole piece doubles in surface area but it is actually thin (7mm). Overall, the design is smooth and there are no annoying pieces sticking out.

When you take a look at the display, each half consists of 4 inch WVGA AMOLED. The combined resolution is 800x 960 and the entire size of the screen available is 6 inches. The images are good and sharp though the viewing angles are not as brilliant as you would expect it to be. This smartpad uses the TI OMAP dual core processor. No word on the running speed. This is because there are still some final negotiations between TI and Imerj. RAM is 1GB DDR3. There is also an internal memory storage of 32GB. Sadly, it is not expandable using the MicroSD. According to the company, the models that will have as much as 128GB of storage. With this much storage smartpad would have about 4 times as much space than an average smartphone.

Overall performance, is good. There is a bit of lag when changing from portrait to landscape. In all fairness, it is a prototype, and we are expecting Imerj will analyze these issues in performance before production and release. It has, a 1750mAH battery and it is expected to run better compared to conventional batteries. This battery is not replaceable.

Software has not been perfected as yet. It does not run in full screen. Running various apps has proven that this smartpad can handle multitasking. Looking at spread sheets for example on a 6 inch screen is very satisfying. To switch between apps all you have to do is tilt the phone so that the app you want to go full screen is up on top. When in the upper portion, it automatically fills in the bottom portions as well. To switch back to two screens, or previous app, just tilt it back.

Email app is custom made. Left screen shows folders, while the right shows previews of emails. Full QWERTY layout of keyboard is nice, leaving just enough space to see what you’ve types. Numbers also show and can be swiped from one side to the next.

There is a 5 MP camera and capable of 720p video.

So what is this thing? Tablet or a smartphone? Imerj Smartpad is both.

Enjoy this imerj promo video:

Here is a hands on video oh imerj smartphone courtesy of engadget:

Enjoy these Imerj Smartpad pictures:

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