Samsung unveils Galaxy Tab tablet computer

SAMSUNG today unveiled a new tablet PC named Galaxy Tab as the latest device to rival Apple's popular iPad.

The device offers users "a new galaxy of possibilities" with features such as mobile video conferencing and a video chat function, Samsung Europe executive Thomas Richter said at Berlin's IFA consumer electronics fair.

The Tab weighs 380grams and has a 7-inch (18cm) touchscreen, making it about three times as big as an Apple iPhone but a third smaller than an iPad.

Mr Richter said the Tab would come with Google's Android 2.2 operating system, which can run HTML5 and Adobe's Flash Player — unlike the iPad.

The Galaxy will allow users to browse the web and check email just as on a regular PC.

"The Samsung Galaxy Tab has been designed to enable consumers to maximise their online experience wherever that may be," said head of Samsung's mobile communications business, JK Shin.

The price of the device will depend on telecommunications operators, through which it will be available.

It will be go on sale next month in Europe and later in fall in the US and Asia, Samsung said.

The device supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G cell phone networks, making it a combination of smart phone and laptop.

It "turns out to be a perfect speakerphone on the desk, or a mobile phone on the move via Bluetooth headset," Samsung said.

The tablet PC also comes with two cameras, one with a flash on the back of the device, and a second one on the front for video conferences — a feature the iPad lacks, but other competitors such as Dell's Streak tablet PC also offers.

The company said the device's battery would support more than eight hours of continuous multimedia usage, or seven hours of playing video.

The tablet also comes with Swype, a third-party application already found on Samsung's Galaxy 5 series phone and available for some other Android-based handsets, which allows users to type on virtual keyboards by simply swiping fingers around from one letter to the next, lifting only between words.