Australian network giant Telstra released an incredibly cheap tablet will battle head on with other tablets in the market. The device boasts a 1.5 GHz dual core processor, 2MP front- and 5MP rear cameras, and a 6900mAh battery. Moreover, it is supported by Telstra's 4G network.

"Given Australians' appetite for technology we know that mobile tablets will be on many shopping lists this holiday season. We think the Telstra 4G Tablet will be a popular option, taking the latest touch-screen technology and making it accessible to everyday Australian families," said the director of Telstra Mobile Anthea Roberts.

Microsoft has launched its much anticipated Windows 8 operating system and first tablet device, the Surface with Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro versions.

The screens measure in at 10.6-inches with resolutions of 1366 x 768 for the Surface with Windows RT and 1920 x 1080 for the Surface Pro. Despite that win in size, the Surface twins are heavier than the iPad, about 1.5 for the Windows RT version vs. 1.44 pounds for Apple's slate. The Windows 8 Pro model is nearly 2 pounds.

Below is a closer look at the differences between each of these tablets.

Screen Display - The Microsoft Surface Windows RT is slightly bigger with 10.6 inches with 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. The Telstra 4G Tablet is slightly bigger with 10.1 inches with 1280×800 pixel resolution.

Processor - Microsoft Surface Windows RT is powered by Nvidia Tegra 3. Telstra's own device is powered by a dual core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz.

Operating System - Microsoft's tablet equipped with Windows 8, which was announced on the same day. Telstra's 4G Tablet, on the other hand, is equipped with Android's Ice Cream Sandwich.

Storage - Microsoft Surface Windows RT is available in 32GB and 64GB while Telstra's 4G Tablet has 16GB of internal storage only.

Price - Microsoft Surface Windows RT costs $499. Telstra's 4G Tablet is definitely cheaper as it is available in $480 outright price or you can avail through the flexible 24-month plans of Telstra.

There is no concrete date as to when the Surface will go on sale. However, Telstra's 4G Tablet is available in the network.