It’s not the iPad, but Telstra wants to give everyone the opportunity to access next-generation 4G internet on a tablet without forking out as much for a 4G iPad.
Apple’s 4G iPad models aren’t set to hit Australia until late November, but Telstra’s equivalent running on Android will be here sooner, with the company letting us know that a new 10.1 inch tablet will be available from tomorrow, priced at $480 outright or available on a two year plan with data included.
“Given Australians’ appetite for technology we know that mobile tablets will be on many shopping lists this holiday season,” said Anthea Roberts, Director of Telstra Mobile. “We think the Telstra 4G Tablet will be a popular option, taking the latest touchscreen technology and making it accessible to everyday Australian families.”
Telstra’s 4G tablet doesn’t really have a name outside “Telstra 4G Tablet,” but it does feature a 10.1 inch 1280×800 screen, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 16GB internal memory, Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich,” a rear 5 megapixel camera, 2 megapixel from camera, and 4G model able to jump onto Telstra’s high-speed LTE network.
“Its versatility is a big drawcard, providing entertainment that keeps the kids amused to reading e-books, checking email or catching up on Facebook,” said Ms. Roberts, “and with 4G mobile connectivity built in, customers can watch HD YouTube clips, stream music and enjoy rich internet content traditionally confined to a PC screen.”
Is Telstra’s $480 price enough of a difference for customers keen on the iPad? Only time will tell, but we’d hazard a guess that this tablet probably needs to drop in price just a little more, especially given the 7.9 inch iPad Mini with 4G and 16GB comes in at only $29 more later in November.
While Apple’s 10 inch 4G equivalent is almost two hundred more at $679 and makes Telstra’s 4G tablet a less expensive high-speed slate, the iPad with Retina is also a very different beast altogether, sporting better specs, a nicer screen, and a more developed ecosystem.
In any case, you should be able to find Telstra’s $480 4G tablet in stores across the country from tomorrow.
