Samsung's newest tablet overtook Apple's new iPad as the first tablet to use 4G in Australia.

It seems that Korea-based tech company Samsung scores a point against its rival Apple as it released its newest tablet that uses 4G network in Australia. With this prime feature, Samsung's new tab is bound to win.

Telstra, the only network that offers 4G mobile network, have joined forces with Samsung to create a tablet that has speedier connection. The speed is useful for a tablet computer. Samsung released the new tablet last month but it already gathered rave reviews and wins fans.

Apple recently released the newest generation of iPad with its prime selling point as it is the first iOS device that supports 4G. However, this 4G feature does not work yet in Australia. Australia's only network that offers 4G, Telstra, offers a different frequency than those offered in the United States.

The 4G mobile connection used by Samsung's Galaxy Tab 8.9 is only available within Telstra 4G zones in Australia's major cities, centres and airports. Outside the 4G zones, the device uses dual-channel HSPA+ to make the most of its 3G connection. Telstra also offers two other 4G devices, the HTC Velocity smartphone and the USB 4G Dongle, but the Galaxy Tab 8.9 is by far the most exciting 4G device to hit Australian shores so far.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is a tablet that offers an unconventional size with 8.9-inch screen. Its size is between the 10-inch models and 7-inch tablets. The new tablet of Samsung also has a high-resolution LCD screen (1200x800) that delivers bright colours and reasonably sharp text. The tablet is very lightweight with 470 grams that seem to disappear in your hand.

The new Galaxy Tab 8.9 also has an impressive hardware sporting a dual-core 1.5GHz chip and 1GB RAM for speedy app delivery. It is equipped with Google's second latest version of Android software, Honeycomb. However, Samsung promised an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich. The app shortcut at the bottom of the screen is found to be very useful.

The device does not feature many ports. However, it has a MicroSD slot that allows users to add more storage to the device's 16GB internal storage. The tablet also has long battery life that promises up to nine hours. The device costs $720 offered by Telstra, it may be more expensive than Apple's iPad. However, its speed and convenience will largely benefit city dwellers and those staying within the 4G zone.