Three to join Vodafone in offering new Galaxy Tab

Mobile broadband operator 3 has announced that it will be offering Samsung's iPad-rivalling tablet, the Galaxy Tab. It joins Vodafone, which has already announced that it will offer the sleek new device, although neither operator are giving away anything on pricing yet.

Launched last week, the Android-based Galaxy Tab could be a real contender to the iPad throne, according to reviews.  With its genesis in Samsung's Galaxy S handset, it makes calls and supports Flash - two things the iPad can't do; it looks and feels the part and performs very well in user testing. It is also described as being small and sleek enough to be handle-able and relatively discreet, whilst its 7-inch screen is satisfyingly large enough to watch films and TV on.

All of which is just as well, as Samsung has its sights firmly set on Apple's market share: the company is hoping to shift 10 million units in order to grab a massive third of the slate market by the third quarter of next year.  A large part of those sales are expected to be through the networks, which will be offering subsidised prices, making the Tab somewhat more affordable than the expected £599 - £650ish  ticket price.

Neither Vodafone nor 3 have owned up yet to exactly how much they're planning to subsidise the device; although 3 has said it will be offering £10 and £15 monthly voice contracts and some data only deals with the Tab in mind. Also missing so far are release dates for the Tab, although it's expected in October.