> The Samsung Galaxy Tab will available contract-free for $599.99. Special 3G data plans start at $20 per month for 1GB, though information about additional plans and pricing was not available this morning.
via [arstechnica.com](http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2010/10/verizon-calls-first-on-samsung-galaxy-tab.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss)
Now we get to see how Android actually competes with iOS. Both devices, side-by-side, at the same store.
The smaller form factor of the Tab will no doubt appeal to some, but I have to say I’m still not convinced of the utility of a 7-inch screen. As I said even before Steve Jobs did this week, 7 inches is too small to replace a laptop, too big to fit into any pocket, unless you’re a super-nerd who doesn’t mind giant bulges in his Cargo pants. Factor in that it’s no cheaper than the iPad and probably won’t have access to Android Market (who writes apps for Verizon’s V-Cast, anyway?), and it seems like a no-brainer to go with the iPad + MiFi.
This thing may have had a chance if Apple hadn’t been smart enough to get the iPad into Verizon Stores, but now that they are side-by-side, I can’t see the Tab selling too well.
