Galaxy Tablet Creating Competition

On the most recent episode of CNET's Buzz Out Loud (Ep. 1333), the price for the new Samsung Galaxy was revealed. The Samsung Galaxy, when released, will start at a price point of $599. This is much lower than the speculated price of $1000. Several of the commentators feel this new tablet may be able to compete with the iPad due to several of its features. The Galaxy will be offered through Verizon, but no contract will be required for service. The Galaxy will run off of the Android operating system, giving it the ability to readily access several applications and similarly related Android features. Unlike the iPad, the Galaxy will be able to run Flash software, come equipped with a front-facing camera, and have an HDMI port to allow for easy connection between other HD capable devices (such as an HDTV). Verizon also announced it would be offering cheaper data plans starting at $15. Although the iPad already has a strong hold on the tablet market, the Galaxy may be the right product to start taking unsatisfied customers looking for a feature-rich product. It is still unknown whether the overall performance will be able to compete with that of the iPad tablet, but early reviews show a similar battery life and vibrant display. I believe for the tablet market to truly take off, data plans need to become more affordable and interchangeable with phone plans, while customers are given the option to move between service providers. The iPad, along with the new Galaxy, may lose out on potential customers by aligning with specific service providers and limiting their options (not to mention forcing them to pay for additional data plans with limited data provided).