Samsung announces NZ tablet release date

Samsung will launch its new Galaxy Note in New Zealand on August 29, with a price list expected to follow.

After supersizing the new Note to a 10.1-inch display – the tablet has nearly doubled in size from its original 5.3-inch screen with a 598g weight, making it lighter than the new iPad.

The South Korean developers have yet to release any pricing but past releases suggests an announcement will be made within weeks not months.

Galaxy Note 10.1 is available with either 16 or 32 GB or internal memory, with a microSD card slot offering up to 64 GB more.

The device will run Android's 4.0 operating system, upgraded to version 4.1 later this year, with a strong focus on the digital extension of real pen and paper.

"History has shown that taking notes, capturing ideas immediately, and sketching to realise them is the most personal and natural way to be more productive and creative," says J.K Shin, president of Samsung's IT & Mobile Communications Division.

The tablet will be released in the U.S. today, retailing for US$499 with 16 GB memory and $549 for 32 GB.

Please see Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 teaser video below.

Is the new tablet the perfect competition to the iPad? Will you be buying one? Tell us your thoughts below.