We were all left with a bad taste in our mouths after hearing AT&T's pricing for the recently announced HTC Jetstream, but if you're looking for a  solid Honeycomb tablet with always-connected mobile access then check out Ma Bell's latest offering: the Acer Iconia Tab A501.

Under the hood, it's the exact same device as the A500, with the inclusion of an HSPA+ radio. The nuts and bolts of it are:

  • 10.1-inch 1280x800 display
  • 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor
  • 1GB RAM
  • 5MP and 2MP cameras
  • SD card, microUSB, and microHDMI ports
  • Android 3.2

The real sweet spot for this tablet, though, is the pricing. Unlike most other tablets, the A501 will only set you back $479 off-contract, and if you're into the idea of being attached to a data plan for the next two years (which is quite unlikely), then you can grab this little beauty for $329.

Either way, the tablet has to have an applicable data plan if you want to use it away from Wi-Fi, which will set you back anywhere from $15 per month for a measly 250MB to $35 for a more reasonable 3GB.

 

Maximize Entertainment on the Go With the New Acer Iconia Tab A501

Acer's Popular 10.1-inch 4G Tablet with Android 3.0 OS Coming Soon to AT&T Retail Stores Nationwide at www.att.com

Dallas, Texas, September 12, 2011

AT&T* today announced it will begin selling the Acer Iconia Tab A501, a 10.1 inch, AT&T 4G** mobile broadband capable tablet featuring Android™ Honeycomb, online at www.att.com and in AT&T company-owned retail stores nationwide beginning Sunday, Sept. 18.

Designed for both consumers and small businesses, the newest wirelessly enabled member of the Acer Iconia family of tablets gives customers the freedom to enjoy technology around the clock on the AT&T mobile broadband network. AT&T’s HSPA+ technology with enhanced backhaul provides up to 4 times faster data transmission than AT&T’s already fast mobile broadband network.

The tablet’s 10.1-inch multi-touch screen provides precise finger-tip control for leveraging social media, email, productivity applications as well as games and entertainment. Powered by a NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile 1GHz dual-core processor and integrated GeForce™ GPU, customers can enjoy high-definition video, speedy browsing, multi-tasking, digital media playback and flash-based sites, games and applications.

“For tablet users it needs to be always on, connected, and readily available to access the content they want, including entertainment, social networking, email and Internet browsing,” said Glenn Lurie, president, emerging devices, AT&T. “We’re connecting the Acer Iconia to the AT&T 4G network and we’re offering several data options, both prepaid and postpaid plans, to ensure the best experience, the best value and the greatest flexibility for our consumer and small business customers. We also plan to prominently feature the Acer Iconia in our AT&T stores across the country.”

“Fast and fluid, the Acer Iconia Tab A501 is one of simplest ways to stay informed and entertained whether it’s playing games or viewing a video on its high resolution capacitive touchscreen,” said Sumit Agnihotry, vice president of product marketing, Acer America. “This tablet is not only intuitive, but it’s svelte, stylish and comfortable to hold and carry, which appeals to consumers on the go.”

The Acer Iconia Tab A501 will be available at AT&T company-owned retail stores nationwide and online beginning September 18 for $479.99. AT&T customers may also choose to purchase the Acer Iconia at a discounted price of $329.99 after committing to a two-year agreement for a new $35, 3GB monthly data plan.

Customers who do not choose a long-term commitment may still select one of two existing monthly billing options:

  • Postpaid:  $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment will be charged $10 per 1 GB of overage. Customers on the 250 MB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment will be charged $14.99 per 250 MB of overage. Charges will appear on customers’ monthly wireless statements.
  • Prepaid:  $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Customers on the 2 GB plan who exceed their monthly data allotment may choose to purchase an additional 2 GB for $25. Charges will appear on customers’ credit card statements.

Offering the simplicity of a single bill, the postpaid option will show up on customers’ monthly wireless bill after the data is used. The new postpaid billing option will be available online at www.att.com and across AT&T retail locations.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Not available everywhere. Deployment ongoing. Compatible device and data plan required. Learn more at att.com/network.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Limited-time offer. Mobile broadband access requires a DataConnect Plan for Tablets or a Session Based DataConnect Plan. DataConnect Plans are billed monthly and automatically renew every month, unless you cancel service prior to the start of the monthly renewal. No term commitment or termination fees apply (with no service commitment plans). Overage charges apply if the monthly data allowance is exceeded. Offer not available for on-tablet activation. Credit check may be required. Geographic and other restrictions apply. Session Based DataConnect Pass Plans for Tablets: Time begins expiring immediately upon purchase/activation, whether you are using the service or not. Once your time expires or the allotted data is used, whichever comes first, your data access will cease. 30-day domestic plans automatically renew, unless you cancel auto-renewal. Fees are non-refundable. Other restrictions apply. For full terms see DataConnect Pass Wireless Data Services Agreement on att.com/wirelesslegal.

Promotional tablet pricing requires a two-year agreement and a minimum $35 a month 3 GB DataConnect Plan for tablets. Overage is $10 for each GB provided, if the included monthly data allowance is exceeded. Geographic and other restrictions apply. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days, but up to 10% restocking fee may apply to returns; thereafter up to $325. Some agents impose additional fees. Equipment fee may apply if service canceled within 30 days of purchase. See att.com/returns for details. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.