Another day, yet another tab: this time Telstra has joined the 4G tab race.
With an eye to Christmas sales, Telstra has launched a 10-inch 4G tablet with 16GB of storage at $480 – seriously undercutting both Apple’s 4G version of its 9.7-inch iPad, which sells for $629, and Samsung’s Android-powered 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab 4G at $720.

Telstra yesterday wasn’t saying where it’s sourcing the new 4G tablet, but trade whispers were pretty unanimous in suggesting Chinese maker ZTE.

And what’s more, Telstra home grown tab is bigger than Apple’s cult iPad but at a far more miniture price, while 7.9″ iPad Mini is cheaper at $369 (8GB WiFi only), announced last week.

The tablet runs under the Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” OS, and has a 1.5 GHz dual core processor, 2MP front- and 5MP rear cameras, and a 6900mAh battery claimed to support continuous video playback for up to nine hours.

Telstra says customers who purchase the 4G tablet outright for $480 can team it with a pre-paid “Data+Cap” offer, which allows them to top up data as and when they need.

Alternatively they can purchase the tablet on one of a number of 24-month plans, starting at $49 a month, making a minimum cost of $1176.

Next- gen 4G delivers typical download speeds from 2Mbps – 40Mbps, and uploads from 1Mbps – 10Mbps available in all capital CBDs with the service soon to be stretched further.

The blue telco are betting tablets will be on Santa’s wish list this Christmas and reckon its cheap price will be a pull for many  tab hungry Aussies.

“Given Australians’ appetite for technology we know that mobile tablets will be on many shopping lists this holiday season,” said Anthea Roberts, Director, Telstra Mobile.

“We think the Telstra 4G Tablet will be a popular option, taking the latest touch-screen technology and making it accessible to everyday Australian families.”