We promised to get you the price and launch date of the most talked about Android device of the moment, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, as soon as possible and we like to deliver. Although Sammy were eager to show off the device itself at Germany’s IFA, they remained tight lipped about availability and pricing. This hasn’t stopped UK based mobile device supplier Expansys however, who have listed the device for pre-order on their site.
The 16GB Galaxy Tab model will set you back £679.99 in Britian or $949.99 from their stateside site. It will be available from Tuesday 12th October.
Whoa there … £679.99 or $949.99, that’s pricey, more pricey than an equivalent 3G + WiFi iPad, even in Europe. $949.99 is more expensive than the US price of the top of the line 64GB 3G + WiFi model. Clearly, this is pre-release pricing and so pinches of salt must accompany, but pre-release pricing is usually somewhere in the ballpark of eventual retail pricing. Obviously network subsidies will offset the price if you take out a data plan, but we question how many will want to shell out monthy for a tablet contract on top of their existing mobile contract. Lets hope that Samsung follow up with a WiFi only model soon.
This makes the expected price for the 10-inch Archos 101 look favourable, even if the device sacrifices 3G capability and isn’t as highly spec’d as the Galaxy Tab. Our feeling is sub $500 is the price point at which Android tablets will sell in bucketloads, even if this only applies to non-3G models.
How much would you expect to pay for your Android tablet? Are you willing to pay the premium for 3G? Would you take out a network contract for an Android Tablet? Is the expected $1k price tag of the Galaxy Tab way off the mark? Let us know.
Expansys are notoriously overpriced for this stuff. But regardless of where I buy it, I won’t spend more than £500 on ANY tablet, regardless of who makes it, or features.
Perhaps the Notion Inc Adam will hit the right price point. The Tab certainly doesn’t.
Definitely no network contract – I can’t stand them.
I already have 3G access via my phone which I can always hub, so I might conisder a wifi only model. Either that or I give my phone to my partner, but you’d have to use a bluetooth earpiece for all phone calls on the tab.
US$1K is way over the top. At US$500 its an auto buy. So the pricing is in there somewhere.
I guess I’ll either wait or grab one of the other tab offerings. Its a shame, as I have a great deal of respect for Samsung’s current tech.
I am rather disapointed that the Tab is going to be so expesive. I will be waiting for Notion Ink to release their Adam tablet. Also what’s with all the 7″ screens? I think 10″ is the way to go. Really hits the mark between phone and laptop.
For this device, I’d pay $300-$350. Definitely won’t sign any contract. If it’s not at this price, I’ll have to wait a little longer to replace my iPad.