The Apple iPad has made an outstanding record of success, with sales of over 3 million units within the first 3 months of its launch in April 2010, even though it was priced at a steep price tag of US$499. No wonder other computer manufacturers also wish to get a pie of this growing tablet PC market. Apple is therefore facing formidable competition from other giants who are planning to sell their own touch-screen tablet PCs by this Christmas. Samsung – the South Korean techno-giant has launched its own iPad clone – Galaxy – which it is planning to sell at half the price of the iPad. This only shows that the iPad has redefined a new market for tablet PC computers, just as iPhone did it for smart phones.

Samsung announced the details of the Galaxy Tab at the IFA technology show held in Berlin. Compared to Apple iPad, the Galaxy Tablet PC from Samsung is much smaller in size, yet it matches or surpasses most functionalities of Apple iPad. There are rumors that some of the features of Samsung Galaxy Tablet are much more advanced compared to those of the iPad. Especially, both the tablet PCs can also connect to the Internet on the go via a mobile phone network. Owners would have to buy the mobile phone connection separately. Both the the Galaxy Tab and the iPad also have similar functionality of having access to the Webt free of charge via Wi-fii hotspots. Galaxy will also support Flash video, camera connection and easy access to book, music and application stores. Galaxy is based on the immensely popular Android operating system, which is giving a stiff challenge to Apple’s proprietary technology.

Samsung has not quoted any official price for its Galaxy Tablet PC yet, however Samsung Sales agents suggest the price to be around US$250. The price would be somewhere in between that of smart phones and the net books & laptop PCs.

Historically, Apple gadgets succeeded in the market because of their easy to use interface, stylish and awesome looks, and availability of applications – specialist Apps –that could be downloaded for free or purchased for a small price.

The Apps which range from simple navigation and maps to shopping services and games enhance the functionality of Apple devices making them essential in these modern day world.

What it means to the people at large? More and more techno-giants would be launching iPad lookalikes to get a slice of the newly established tablet PC market.  This could mean a break of price war which is in favor of the users.  It could also mean that more and more functions would be supported on these iPad lookalikes, and that could mean a shorter usable life of these devices.

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