14 DAY TRIAL // Wireless carrier Sprint has just announced officially that it plans on making available for purchase on its airwaves a new, highly appealing device running under Google's Android operating system, the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
The 7-inch Android 2.2 Froyo-powered tablet PC was already known to be on its way to Sprint's airwaves, but no official info on its landing emerged until now.
However, we did learn not too long ago that it might arrive on November 14th, three days after Verizon makes it available for its users, and it appears that the rumor proved real in the end.
At the same time, the wireless carrier announced officially that it kicked off pre-orders for the device, and that its customers can head over to any participating Sprint Store to reserve one unit.
“Beginning today, customers can pre-order a tablet at any participating Sprint Store with the purchase of a $50 Sprint gift card,” the wireless carrier announced.
“Customers who pre-order Samsung Galaxy Tab will have their name added to the Device Wait List and be contacted to set up an appointment to complete their Samsung Galaxy Tab purchase beginning on Sunday, Nov. 14,” the company added.
The price tag for the new device was set at $399.99 (taxes not included) upon the signing of a contract agreement on a 3G Tablet Mobile Broadband plan.
Sprint put in place two rate plans for those interested in the new device, including a 2GB data plan with unlimited messaging that goes for $29.99 per month, and a 5GB data plan with unlimited messaging priced at $59.99 per month (plus taxes and surcharges).
Some of the main features of the new slate include:
- Android Market for access to more than 80,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience - ThinkFree Office to open and make changes to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or PDF documents - Sprint Navigation can also be added for $2.99 per day or $9.99 per month (plus taxes and surcharges) - 2GB onboard memory, 16GB microSD card included, with support for up to a 32GB microSD card - Integrated GPS; Stereo speakers; 4,000 mAh battery
The Samsung Galaxy Tab hits shelves at Sprint with a brilliant 7-inch enhanced TFT touchscreen display on board, and with a 1GHz Hummingbird Application processor packed inside, with support for 3D graphics and smooth Web browsing.
Other specs of the new device include dual cameras (a 3MP one on the back and a 1.3-megapixel camera on the front for video calling), SWYPE technology for fast typing, Wi-Fi capabilities, and more.
Galaxy Tab also sports mobile hotspot functionality, so that one can connect more than just one device to the Internet at the same time, available for an additional $29.99 per month (plus taxes and surcharges).
“Samsung Galaxy Tab will also enable sharing user-generated video content with other devices with Samsung’s exclusive AllShare service,” Sprint notes.
“AllShare wirelessly shares stored music, pictures and HD-like video (720p) to other DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified home electronics, including HDTVs, monitors, digital cameras and printers.
“Through AllShare, users can capture special moments with the phone’s camera and camcorder and wirelessly show them to friends or family on their DLNA-certified HDTV or download music from a PC to Samsung Galaxy Tab and take it on the road,” the carrier added.
Additional info on the new Samsung Galaxy Tab and Sprint's offering on it can be found on the carrier's website here.
