The Galaxy Tab 10.1v will be the first tablet in Australia to feature the open sourced operating system developed specifically for tablets by Google, Honeycomb 3.0. It also comes equipped with a 1GHz Dual Core application processor, surround sound speakers, front (2-megapixel) and rear (8-megapixel) facing cameras, and Full HD video recording.

The 16GB device on Vodafone’s 3G mobile network can be purchased outright for RRP $729 with a bonus 6GB of data valid for the first three months. This, minus the bonus data, is the same price as Apple today announced for its 16GB iPad 2 with 3G, due for release this Friday.

Alternatively consumers can get their hands on the Galaxy Tab for an upfront payment of $259 plus $39 per month over 12 months, which includes 1.5GB data per month.

When Samsung first revealed this product in mid-February it said it had no concerns over the class action case being held against Vodafone after thousands of clients filed complaints about their mobile coverage service.

Today, Samsung confirmed their confidence, with Tyler McGee, vice president of telecommunications, Samsung Electronics Australia saying they were happy with the partnership choice.

“We are excited to partner with Vodafone to launch this limited edition tablet as part of our expanding range of tablet devices,” McGee in an official statement. “Samsung continually strives to deliver leading, first to market technologies and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v is no exception.”

Meanwhile in the United States, Samsung announced a new 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab, measuring in at 8.6 millimetres thin and weighing in at 470 grams, making it the slimmest and lightest tablet in the market, according to the Korean company.