Best Buy Tablet To Hit US Shelves 11 November For $239 – Report

Best Buy is set to become the latest retailer to launch its own budget-friendly tablet – the Insignia Flex, expected to be released next month.

According to Reuters, the Android-based tablet will hit selves in the US on 11 November, and will cost between $239 and $249.

The device was first revealed on Facebook last week, but Best Buy was coy on pricing details, which are a crucial differentiator in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Best Buy Tablet

Best Buy uses its own brand to create less expensive versions of electrical items such as high-definition televisions and Blu-Ray players. The Insignia Flex will apparently be available exclusively through Best Buy stores, which would appear to rule out a UK release for the time being.

The retailer opened a number of stores in the UK as part of its ill-fated expansion into Europe, but all eleven locations have since closed.

Best Buy will continue to stock other tablets at its stores as it aims to become the main destination for tablet buyers. This is a stark contrast to Wal-Mart and Target, which have ceased to stock Kindle products, seen as a threat to their traditional business.

The Insignia Flex boasts a dual-core 1GHz processor, a ten hour battery life and a camera for video conferencing. However unlike its rivals, it will shun the popular seven-inch form factor, offering a 9.7-inch screen instead.

It will go head to head with the Google Nexus 7, which was launched earlier this month, as well as offerings from rival retailers Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Apple is widely expected to unveil a smaller, cheaper version of the iPad next Tuesday and it has been suggested that the price of the seven-inch tablet will start at just over £200.

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