TeddyK
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They’re not likely to really make an impact just yet, but the first LTE-ready mobile devices are coming now, and they’ll mark the first foray into the future of data connections in Canada. HTC’s Jetstream is the first tablet in this group, and it will be interesting to see how it stands out from the rest.
Whether HTC likes it or not, the Jetstream is going to be overshadowed a little bit by the LTE version of the Samsung Galaxy S II, arguably the best Android smartphone out there right now. HTC has been in the tablet battle for a little while now, but its impact has been muted a little bit thus far.
Part of the reason for that is because the Jetstream is HTC’s first tablet running Android Honeycomb (version 3.1). The 10.1-inch display falls in line with a majority of the others, and the 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor should ensure a measure of power here. There’s 32GB of storage built-in, with a microSD card slot that can expand that a further 32GB, as well as an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.
HTC Sense is a differentiator, at least for me, since I consider it among the best of the Android overlays. And then there’s Scribe, the digital pen that allows you to take notes on the Sketch app, turning the device into a notepad of sorts. It’s just unfortunate that HTC can’t bring the cost down enough to include the pen. As is, it’s an extra $79.99.
But what’s setting the Jetstream apart right now is LTE. With that connection, this thing is simply able to stream, download, upload and browse faster than just about any other tablet out there. Of course, this doesn’t preclude the idea of using the LTE-ready Galaxy S II as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that other tablets can tap into, but you get the idea.
The Jetstream is being sold for $499.99 on a three-year contract, or $799.99 with no term. Add on the pricey data plans that start at $47.93 for just 2GB, and it all becomes a bit costly. This is what comes with being an early adopter, it seems. Those who do sign up for a three-year deal can also opt for the introductory data plan of 10GB for $50 a month — the best value overall by far, but still a hefty price to pay for being among the first to the party.
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