The T-Mobile G-slate, originally known as the Optimus Pad, was launched April 20th as T-Mobile’s first Honeycomb tablet, but it seems that title isn’t helping the tablet much in the sales department. The tablet that was originally priced to compete with the Motorola Xoom just received its second price drop from the hefty $529.99 price tag we reported about in April, to something a little more pleasant at $399 with a 2 year contract. This price drop is T-mobile’s attempt to give this tablet a little more appeal to the buyers who usually would go directly to the Apple alternative.
On paper, this tablet can easily combat anything else in the market. The 8.9 inch 3D screen produces great images at a 1280 by 720 pixel resolution. The other notable feature is the dual 5 megapixel rear facing camera that’s always ready to shoot a cool 3D video that can be posted on YouTube with ease. The inclusion of a dual core processor and the ability to do HDMI out to a 1080p TV are some other great features that should’ve been stamped in big letters on the box.
The lack of high sales is due to many factors. T-Mobile has not done the best job of marketing on their part; most Americans don’t know this thing exists, and 3D on the go is just a myth. LG is the major cause of the low numbers; they made a device with great specs but didn’t put as much effort into the design. Samsung and Motorola understand that people want something that looks nice to carry around and that they can show off to their friends.
This price drop is the right step forward, but with the Samsung Galaxy Tab coming very soon, I don’t know what else T-Mobile can do to improve the numbers they currently have.
[via Phandroid]