Verizon to Sell Samsung Galaxy & Apple iPad (VZ, AAPL)

Verizon Wireless VZ will begin selling the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Tab in November, according to a statement released by the two companies. The offering interesting, in that Verizon recently announced it would offer Apple's AAPL iPad as well. Running on Android 2.2, the Samsung Galaxy Tab features a 7-inch touch screen, a robust HTML Web browsing experience with full support for Adobe® Flash® 10.1 for video and mobile gaming, and a 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application processor. "This is an incredible time in mobile technology, and as a company we're excited to add the Samsung Galaxy Tab to our portfolio," said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. "The Samsung Galaxy Tab brings together the reliability of Verizon Wireless' 3G network and the power of Android 2.2 to deliver on our promise of providing consumers and business customers with a host of options to help manage their lives." Verizon's effort to diversify its product offerings is admirable, especially considering the finicky American consumer. That Verizon would offer such a similar tablet to the iPad is also notable, in that Apple is notoriously protective of its its perceived market position. As an Engadget.com report notes, "It looks like customers will have some fairly strong choices on Big Red, considering that the impossible-to-ignore iPad is being made available in Verizon's stores as well. Tough decisions are ahead for potential tablet buyers -- but we're sure you'll do what's right." Verizon is sure to benefit this holiday season, as tablets are expected to increase in popularity. Verizon Wireless customers can add a monthly access plan beginning at $20 a month for 1 GB for the iPad or Galaxy Tab. Shares of Verizon are up 1.37%, to $32.60. Shares of Apple are up slightly, to $309.76.