Samsung's fancy Galaxy Tab S3 costs just as much as an iPad Pro, but it comes with the S-Pen

Productivity tablet wars, begun they have.

When Samsung unveiled its new 9.7-inch Galaxy Tab S3 tablet last month, it was clear Samsung designed it to take on Apple's 9.7-inch iPad Pro, a tablet that can transform into a powerful productivity device with the addition of a Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil. What wasn't clear, though, was how aggressive Samsung would be in the pro-tablet battle.

On Thursday, Samsung announced pricing (and availability) that puts Apple on notice.

Starting at $599 for a 32 GB model (Wi-Fi-only) with expandable memory up to 256 GB, the Tab S3 sounds, at least, competitive. Apple's 9.7-inch Apple iPad Pro also starts at $599 for a 32 GB Wi-Fi-only model. However, Samsung's price includes the S-Pen. Apple charges an additional $99 for its Apple Pencil. In addition, it will cost you another $100 for the 128 GB iPad Pro model. Tab S3 owners can upgrade the memory of their devices on their own; a 128 GB micro SD card costs as little as $17. Read more...