Tablet prices are plummeting -- and not for the old models, either. Samsung just outed the new version of the Galaxy Tab, with the clever name Galaxy Tab 2 and an even more enticing price. Available in 7- and 10-inch screen sizes, the new Galaxy Tab 2 Series will start at a very gimme-worthy $249.99.
That kind of pricing puts the smaller version of the Galaxy Tab 2 in direct competition with Amazon's Kindle Fire. At $150 more, the 10-incher should snag a few dollars away from iPad sales as well.
The hook on these dual-core tablets is that both will feature the Android 4.0 operating system, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich. Even more interesting is that the new tablets will include an integrated IR blaster feature so it can double as a remote control. Samsung seems to be pushing that feature (and why shouldn't they?) with the Smart Remote App, which can help users find movies and TV shows.
Other highlights include a 1GHz processor, WiFi and Blueooth support, a microSD card slot, access to over 450,000 apps, as well as support for Google Play and Media Hub. There's also a 3.2-megapixel rear-facing camera for photos and video and a VGA front-facing camera for video chat.
Besides sizing and prices, there are a few other differences between the two new tablets. The 7-inch Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 has a 1024 x 600 resolution, with the 10-inch Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 packing in 1280 x 800 pixels. Also, the 7-inch model will come with 8GB of internal memory, while the 10-incher has 16GB.
"These new Galaxy Tab 2 and Galaxy Player devices deliver what consumers have come to expect from all Samsung products -- exceptional design, impressive connectivity options and a selection of choices for each type of person and user scenario," said Tim Baxter, Samsung's president. "A one size fits all solution is just not sufficient."
The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is currently available for preorder for $249.99, with plans to ship on April 22, 2012. Pre-orders for the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 will start on May 4, with the unit coming on May 13. That 10-incher will feature an MSRP of $399.99.
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