The Samsung Galaxy Tab is now available for pre-order on Expansys, with a whopping price tag of £679.99.

While the price has yet to be confirmed by Samsung, the site seems quite confident, guaranteeing shipment in 35 days. The cost does seems rather steep though considering that a 3G iPad starts at £529 and the Dell Streak is available for £499 SIM-free.

Samsung's device does outdo the iPad in a number of areas, mind. It comes with a 3-megapixel rear camera and front-facing video camera for conference calling capabilities.

A micro-SD card slot also gives users a total storage capacity of 48GB, there is access to the Android Marketplace, and of course it ships with the much desired Android 2.2 Froyo OS straight out of the box.

However, the Tab doesn't appear to out-muscle fellow hybrid, the Dell Streak, in the specification department quite as easily.

Granted, the Streak has a 5in screen, two inches smaller than the Galaxy Tab, but Dell's device does have a 5-megapixel camera on the back, voice capabilities and is now upgradeable to Android 2.1 making it a tantalising option.

V3.co.uk contacted Samsung and the firm told us that it is still finalising UK pricing.

"We'll be announcing the official pricing in due course," the spokeswoman said.

The good news is that the cost of the Galaxy Tab is likely to be subsidised by network operators. Judging by this price tag, it will still take a big bite out of our wallets.

We reserve judgment on whether the Tab is worth the high price tag until we get our hands on a review unit.

06 Sep 2010