Here's A Diwali Gift Idea: Acer's New Iconia Smart

Acer has added yet another device to its growing range of smartphones in the form of Acer 'Iconia Smart'; a mobile phone that combines the capabilities of a tablet into a smartphone format. The device runs on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread operating system and it should cost around Rs 29,000 in the Indian market.

The device has a huge 4.8 inch TFT capacitive touchscreen (1024x480 pixel resolution) and 236 pixel per inch pixel density. It runs on the Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS (with Acer's own user interface) and is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The device has 512MB of Ram and comes with 8GB of internal memory that is expandable up to an additional 32GB with a microSD card. It has a full metal body and a curved back which provides the user with a better grip and feel.

The device also has an 8 megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash which can also record high definition videos (720p) at 30 frames per second. There is also a 2 megapixel front facing camera for video calling.  On the connectivity front the mobile has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (can also function as Wi-Fi hotspot) and 3G. Additionally, the smartphone comes with a stereo FM radio and GPS and has a microUSB port and a HDMI port that enables large screen viewing on compatible TV's.

Its dimensions are 141.7mm x 64.5mm x 13.6mm and its weight is 185grams. The smartphone has a 1500mAh battery which should provide decent battery life considering the large size of its screen. The device comes with preloaded HD games like Asphalt, Spiderman and Nova and users can also browse for more games on the Gameloft store.

All in all it is a decent device but the price is a little steep for consumers liking. Although Acer has made a few additions like Dolby audio for a better multimedia experience or the sensitive 6-axis motion sensor which enables the user to have better control over the games he is playing on the device. The company also claims that the large screen size will enable users to view fully featured websites on the smartphone instead of just their mobile versions (which is the case generally).

Additionally, 'clear.fi' lets the user share, stream and connect different media devices. This basically means that users can connect their Iconia Smart mobile phone with their Acer PC and view their favourite videos from the Acer PC on the smartphone or play music from the smartphone through the PC sound system etc.

Although these devices cost a little more than the Acer Iconia Smart, it can count Samsung's popular Galaxy SII and HTC's Sensation among its direct competitor in the Indian market. Any one of these power packed mobile phones would make a neat Diwali gift. What grabs your fancy?