Optus releases Galaxy Tab pricing, launches own tablet too

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 08 November 2010 13:26

Your IT - Mobility

It's not just Telstra but Optus and likely telcos around the world wanting to cash in on the tablet phenomenon, taking on Apple and traditional PC manufacturers for profits in the entry-level market, even as Optus prepares to sell Samsung's Galaxy Tab from the 10th of November.

Having seen the same opportunity as Telstra in bringing its 'own' tablet to market, Optus is releasing its 'Optus My Tab' from mid-December at AUD $279 on pre-paid, 'including up to 3GB of on Pre-Paid data and unlimited access to Facebook, Twitter and MySpace within Australia'.

Post-paid pricing will also be available, but Optus is cunningly stating that post-paid 'pricing [is] to be announced closer to launch', in a bid to add some anticipation of its own.

Manufactured by ZTE in China, Optus says the My Tab is a 'high-spec entry level tablet which provides the Android Tablet experience at an affordable price'.

It adds that the MyTab ships 'with Android 2.1 and equipped with a 3MP camera, 7 inch screen, upgradable memory (2GB MicroSD included) and WiFi compatibility. Weighing in at just over 400g, the Optus My Tab is the perfect product for those looking for an affordable way to access multimedia and stay connected.'

Additional detail has been sought from Optus over whether the screen is capacitive or resistive, and more details on specs, but as of publication no additional details have yet been received - it will be interesting to see how Optus' My Tab stacks up against Telstra's T-Touch Tab and the 'advanced' Android tablets such as the Dell Streak and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Update: We've just had word the screen is resistive, as expected. New Update: Full My Tab Specs now on page 3!

The Galaxy Tab is also a big part of Samsung's announcement as it says the 'widely anticipated' device will be available 'this week' through Optus channels 'on a range of Post-paid mobile broadband plans', and comes after Optus' previous 'leadership in the Australian tablet market, coming after the successful launch of the first Android tablet in Australia, the Dell Streak in October.'

Optus has also kicked off its own tablet content distribution deal with News Ltd for consumer Galaxy Tab customers who sign on a 12 or 24 month contrct.

They'll get free access to the paid Android 'The Australian' digital newspaper app, normally worth AUD $8.99 per month, for the length of the contract. As its for consumers only, some business customers might be miffed but that's the way the deal was done, with News Ltd clearly expecting business customers to pay extra, some of whom no doubt will!

In a sign that 7-inch apps don't require fingers personally sanded down by Steve Jobs' manicurist, the newspaper app has been specifically designed for the Galaxy Tab, giving 'Optus customers instant on the go access to The Australian's world class news and analysis, vibrant photography, page-by-page and sectional navigation and fully integrated advertising.'

Austin R. Bryan, Optus' Digital Media Director said: 'Tablets are devices which thrive on rich and interactive content. Our partnership with News Limited gives eligible customers access to great Australian content while also demonstrating how to get the most out of this new and exciting device.'

So, how much will the Galaxy Tab cost from Optus? Details on page two, with specs on page three, please read on!