Samsung's new affordable tablet range kicks off price war with Apple and Microsoft

SAMSUNG has launched a three-model range of tablets priced to undercut Apple's iPad Mini.

Tablet price wars kick off

THE tablet computer war is on again, with Samsung launching a new range of touchscreen computers today, Microsoft slashing the cost of its Surface tablet, and predictions numbers of the tablets will jump by up to 46 per cent in Australia this year.

Market leader Apple has yet to show off a new iPad to fend of the competition this year, but rumours are circling that the company could deliver a cheaper iPad Mini within months.

Samsung began the latest battle in the tablet war in Sydney, launching a three-model range of Tab 3 tablets.

Samsung Electronics Australia telecommunications vice-president Tyler McGee said the new range was "critical to our success" and was designed to appeal to a wide market of tablet users.

"Some of our competitors offer just one or two tablets in their range, but we offer a large range," he said.

"Our research indicates that Australians want a diverse range of tablets, including screen sizes and price points."

The new range includes 7-inch, 8-inch and 10.1-inch tablets, priced at $249, $349 and $399 respectively.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 Front (standard Screen)

The Google Android-run tablets significantly undercut Apple's current offerings, which start at $369 for the Mini.

But the tablets' specifications do not match the speed or power of some of Apple's tablets or Samsung's high-end smartphones.

Samsung is not the only company to deliver discounted tablets, however.

There are strong rumours that Apple will launch an even cheaper version of its smallest iPad, the Mini, in spring this year.

While a 7-inch iPad with retina display has reportedly been delayed until next year, Apple is tipped to release a lighter iPad Mini 2 with upgraded specifications shortly.

Microsoft also cut the price of its Surface RT tablet in Australia yesterday, taking $170 off the price of its entry-level 32GB model and $180 from its 64GB tablet.

Despite the price cuts, a recent report from research firm IDC found tablets with Windows and Google Android software were rising in popularity in Australia as more become available.

"Users now have better access to a wide range of low to high-end tablets as well as different operating systems compared to last year," IDC associate market analyst Suzanne Tai said.

"In 2012, a user would usually choose between an Apple iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab but now, a year later, brands like ASUS, Acer, and Microsoft would also appear on the user's radar."

IDC predicted the tablet market in Australia and New Zealand would grow by 46 per cent this year due to falling prices, greater competition and more business use.

Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi said he forecasted a more "conservative" growth figure of between 30 and 40 per cent in Australia this year.

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