We’ve been expecting some sort of pricing for the T-Mobile G-Slate (Optimus Pad outside of the US), but MobileCityOnline has just posted the 3D-toting Honeycomb tablet with a $699 price tag.
What’s more promising about the price of the G-Slate is that it looks like there have yet to be any subsidies applied to that $699 price tag. If that is the case, could the 8.9 inch tablet drop down to $500 at launch, after a T-Mobile on-contract subsidy? It would behoove T-Mobile to get their theoretically superior tablet (3D display, stereoscopic cameras, NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, etc.) in at a cheap price. While 3D may be nothing more than a gimmick at this point, it’s still not cheap.
Hopefully we’ll be hearing official pricing announced soon, as the rise of the of the Xoom and iPad 2 may leave other tablets by the wayside. However, the G-Slate may have a slight edge in that it ships with HSPA+ support right out of the box. That said, T-Mobile’s 4G network may not be enough to sway many people from getting their shiny new iPad or the soon to be 4G LTE-equipped Motorola Xoom.
If T-Mobile can get the G-Slate out at a solid price, they may still be able to get into the game. If it remains more than $500 on a two-year contract to grab one of these tablets, you may as well wait and see what the competition has to offer later on in the year. The G-Slatedifferentiates itself by sporting a 3D screen and stereoscopic cameras, but it’s still a bit hard to believe many people will purchase the tablet just on those specs alone.
Screen size may play a factor in the G-Slate’s success, (or failure) as we’ve yet to see a great 8.9 inch tablet hit market in full force. The screen size is more portable than the iPad or Xoom, but not so portable that you’ll be putting it in the back pocket of your pants, as Samsung suggests with their Galaxy Tab.
How much would you be willing to pay for the G-Slate before you defect to the competition? Furthermore, does is 3D a make or break deal for you?
[Via: MobileBurn]