Whoah. Just after the company announced its plans to carry Apple's iPad last week, Verizon Wireless followed up on Wednesday with news that it will also offer the Samsung Galaxy Tab without a contract starting November 11. However the big shocker stemming from Verizon's announcement is that the Android tablet will cost $599.99.
For the uninitiated, here are some of the specs: a 7-inch TFT-LCD touchscreen (1024 x 600), a 1 GHz Cortex A8 "Hummingbird" processor, a 3.2MP rear-facing camera and a 1.3MP front-facing camera, 512 GB of RAM, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, HSPA and HSUPA 3G connectivity, internal GPS, a microSD card slot for expanded storage capacity, and 16 GB or 32 GB, depending on the model.
Unfortunately, Verizon didn't specify the storage capacity included in the upcoming tablet, however it will come loaded down with Verizon apps including V CAST music, V CAST Song ID, BLOCKBUSTER On Demand presented by V CAST Video, and VZ Navigator. It will also come pre-installed with several Verizon favorites including the hip Slacker Radio, Kindle for Android, and Gameloft's Let's Golf.
As a comparison, Verizon said last week that the Apple iPad was coming on October 28. The tablet will be bundled with Verizon's MiFi 2200 Mobile Hotspot device, costing $630 for the 16 GB version, $730 for the 32 GB version, and $830 for the 64 GB version. Both the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab can use the optional 1 GB for $20/month 3G wireless access plan, however in addition iPad users will have access to the 5 GB for $60/month plan.
Although the iPad pricing seems more ideal, Verizon is offering the best of both worlds-- Apple iOS and Android 2.2 (Froyo). Both platforms have their advantages and disadvantages, however the additional MiFi Mobile Hotspot packed with the iPad can provide access to five devices simultaneously. Then again, the Samsung Galaxy Tab offers full Flash support.
